Where does the sitar, this plucked string instrument, originate from?

India

The sitar, an emblem of Indian classical music, finds its origins in India, drawing inspiration from Persian instruments like the setar. Popularized in the 16th century under the Mughal Empire, it plays a key role in the performance of ragas. Ravi Shankar contributed to its global fame in the 1960s, making the sitar an international symbol of Indian music.