Vina () late 18th century Indian Having a hollow neck and body, this fretted lute from southern India features a flat bridge against which its strings vibrate to produce a characteristic buzzing sound, called javr. It also has three tala, or drone strings, that are not fretted. This veena, with a decorative gourd and yali (mythological beast) finial, was used by Y. G. Srimati, an accomplished vocalist and visual artist.. Vina (). Indian. late 18th century. jackwood, gold leaf, papier-mché, bone, steel, brass. India. Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted