Beautiful instruments for mindful spaces
शून्य · Śūnya · The Sound of Origin
Each handcrafted Tanpura resonates throughout the spaces from which all creation begins.
Our instruments
The quiet strength of earth and wood — steady, grounding, eternal.
Ivory stillness, like a swan in moonlight — serene and weightless.
The deep red of sacred beads — grounding, eternal, and still.
The golden breath of dawn — radiant, life-giving, and timeless.
The elegant peacock feathers — grace in motion.
Twilight indigo — the silence between two notes.
Breathe. Listen.
Click to Listen
The tanpura’s sound isn’t melody — it’s the ground beneath melody. A hum that mirrors the silence within.
What's included?
Heritage
For more than a century and a half, the small town of Miraj in Maharashtra has been a quiet capital of sound.
Here, generations of artisans have shaped the resonant instruments that carried Indian classical music into the modern age.In the mid–19th century, when musicians of Maharashtra relied on instruments crafted in distant cities like Banaras and Jaipur, a few devoted makers in Miraj began their own journey — refining the art of the tanpura, sitar, and other stringed companions of the raga.Through patience, devotion, and an unbroken lineage of craftsmanship, Miraj became synonymous with excellence in the making of these sacred instruments.
Today, the city continues to hum with that same heritage — every gourd, bridge, and string carrying the quiet pulse of history.
Testimonials
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"I have been thrilled beyond expectation by the exquisite instrument custom built for me. Throughout the process communication was excellent with photographs of the various stages provided. Shipping was swift and the item arrived in perfect condition. Have been so pleased that have ordered a second instrument. Highly recommended"
Robert B.
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"I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent work...Thank you"
Jonathan M.
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"Thank you...(first instrument) which was beautifully made and sent to me carefully. Just in love with it’s sound"
Binayak M.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About
Shunya exists to bring the living sound of Miraj to Australasia — connecting centuries of Indian craftsmanship with a modern culture of mindfulness and design.Each tanpura is handcrafted by master artisans in Miraj, Maharashtra, and personally curated for resonance, finish, and integrity before being made available through Shunya.Based in New Zealand and Australia, we handle all aspects of curation, import, inspection, and delivery, ensuring that every instrument arrives safely and ready to fill its new space with sound.Our role is simple: preserve the heritage and offer these timeless instruments to those who seek stillness, beauty, and authenticity.
Contact
For custom requests, collaborations, or any other queries!
FAQ
What is included in The Shunya Tanpura Experience?
Each experience includes a handcrafted tanpura from the renowned makers of Miraj, a natural linen meditation cushion, a 25-minute guided tanpura meditation, and a linen-bound booklet exploring the history and philosophy of the instrument.
Complimentary shipping is included within Australia and New Zealand.
Can I request a specific colour or wood finish?
Yes. Our current palette can be selected at checkout (subject to availability).
Each finish is hand-applied, so slight variations are natural and part of its beauty.
Where are your Tanpuras made?
Every Shunya Tanpura is crafted in Miraj, Maharashtra, a town that has been the heart of Indian string-instrument making for over 170 years. Each piece is handmade by skilled artisans following generations of traditional methods.
Do you offer international shipping?
At present, we ship within Australia and New Zealand.
For international inquiries, please contact us — we can occasionally accommodate special requests depending on destination and customs regulations.
Do I need to know music to enjoy the tanpura?
Not at all.
The tanpura is as much an object of resonance as it is an instrument. Many of our collectors use it as part of their meditation, yoga, or mindfulness rituals — simply allowing its continuous drone to fill their space with stillness.
How should I care for my tanpura?
Keep it in a moderate-temperature room, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Dust it gently with a soft cloth.
If you’re not playing it regularly, loosen the strings slightly to maintain even tension.
How is the tanpura tuned?
Each instrument is professionally tuned before shipping (depending on size and resonance).
You’ll also receive a short tuning guide and reference tone recording if you ever wish to retune it yourself.
Is the tanpura fragile?
While each instrument is durable enough for regular use, it’s still a handcrafted wooden and gourd structure.
We ship every piece in protective packaging designed for international transport, and recommend placing it on the included cushion when displayed.
Can I return or exchange my tanpura?
Because each instrument is handcrafted to order, returns are accepted only in the rare case of transit damage or manufacturing defect.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I have been thrilled beyond expectation by the exquisite instrument custom built for me. Throughout the process communication was excellent with photographs of the various stages provided. Shipping was swift and the item arrived in perfect condition. Have been so pleased that have ordered a second instrument. Highly recommended"
Robert B.
The Shunya Tanpura Experience
Material: Natural gourd body with polished wood neckSize: Full concert length (approx. 53–55 in / 135–140 cm)Colour options: Dhara (mahogany), Surya (gold), Hamsa (white), Mayur (peacock), Rudraksha (hazelnut), Nilam (ocean blue)
Free shipping within Australia and NZ
25 minute guided Tanpura meditation upon delivery
Linen-bound booklet on Tanpura history
Free cushion for your instrument
Hand crafted with love directly from the artisans
Premium service and support