1) Carnatic music instrument 2) Indian musical instrument 
The tanpura (or tambura, tanpuri) is a long-necked plucked string instrument found in various forms in Indian music; it does not play melody but rather supports and sustains the melody of another instrument or singer by providing a continuous harmonic bourdon or drone. It is not played in rhythm with the music, as the precise timing of plucking a ...
long-necked ancient lute of India; four strings; provides the reference point for melodic improvisations by performers of the other instruments.
String instrument used for drone; Tanpura means to fill the void behind the music; to complete or assist a tan; a. k. a. Tamboora