Swarmandal is a stringed instrument used for providing the drone during a song recital. It is a variation of the Santoor, which is of Persian origin, played with fingers. Although it is considered a minor instrument, as a class the harps are very old in India. This instrument, also known as SURMANDAL, is similar to the Harp in Western classical music.

The Swarmandal has 21 to 36 strings, but this number can vary. The artist performing on this instrument can use any of the strings for playing. Usually the singer uses the right thumb for playing this instrument.