Dilruba is a 200-300 year old stringed instrument that looks like a smaller version of the Sitar, but is played with a bow like a Cello. Another appropriate description is “a Dilruba is Half a Sarangi and Half a Sitar”, as you can see from the videos on this site.

An Esraj is essentially the same as a Dilruba, except for a few minor differences: the shape of the soundbox, the position of the main playing string, and the way the resonating strings are arranged behind the playing string.

An Esraj becomes a Tar-Shehnai when a mechanical amplifier is hooked on to the main playing string to produce a high pitched Shehnai type sound. This is a relatively new development from the early 1900s.

The modern Taus is essentially an extra-large Dilruba which is constructed to artistically resemble a Peacock – which is what Taus means.