The Taus is a very unique and beautiful instrument. The appearance of the Taus alone captures your attention. Together, its remarkable design, architecture, and sound create a masterpiece of art that is not only awe-inspiring to look at, but also blissful to hear. The word ``Taus'' means ``peacock'' in Persian. It is named this because of its shape - the peacock.  The name was originally pronounced, ``Ta-voo-s'' but over time, it has been 'punjabi-fied' and is now pronounced ``Ta-oous.''
 

Some argue that the Taus was made by the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, while others believe it was created by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Before we begin a debate, let's take a step back and just think. Neither Guru Hargobind ji nor Guru Gobind Singh ji would mind if the other received credit for creating the instrument. It would matter more to them that we actually use the instrument they blessed us with. 
 

The Taus is a bowed instrument known for its deep, mellow sound. It has four main strings and twenty frets, which are the keys to the notes. There are also seventeen sympathetic strings on the Taus. The sound box is big and hollow, and is covered with goat skin. Making the Taus requires great craftsmanship, as it is carved from a single piece of wood.

This instrument, alongside the other Sikh instruments, were and still are a vital part of a Sikh's life. These instruments are used to tame and conquer our emotions. Just as we use tools (ex. weights, machines) to build our physical body, the Sikh gurus have given us these tools to  use in our psychological workout. Playing these instruments not only improves our coordination, but the sound and pitches created play a huge role in shaping the human psyche. The sounds produced by these instruments have the power to create a wide range of moods, from 'self-evaluation,'  and 'courage,' to  'insane amounts of determination.' These instruments were given to humans for the very purpose of helping us in our journey to bring balance and order between our mind, body, and soul.