The rebab is a string instrument, though originated in Afghanistan is used in a wide variety of musical ensembles and genres, in India. Corresponding with its wide distribution, it is built and played somewhat differently in different areas. The rabab has a piece of hollow wood at the top and a hollow circular wooden belly covered with a sheep skin at the bottom. There are two bridges, one in the middle and the other at the tip. The two bridges support six gut strings which are manipulated by six pegs at the top. Some rababs have a wooden toomba (gourd) at the top. It is played with a traingular wooden plectrum. Its sound resembles the human voice and it can play some gamaks.

This instrument was used in Punjab, but Guru Nanak used it s an accompaniment for Gurumat Sangeet (Sikh sacred music). It was played by his disciple named Bhai Mardana (1459-1519) who originally was a mirasi (Muslim musician). It is similar to the rebec of Persia. The effect of the drum-sound produced by it is very pleasing; it is eminently suitable for devotional music.