Featured WHAT IS NAME OF THIS MIDDLE EAST(?) STRINGED INSTRUMENT?

Found this at the thrift store. What is it called? (I keep thinking 'sith' but that's a star wars movie!)
Any idea of age or quality? (back of head seems ... less than quality carved - but it does look hand carved!?)
As always I thank you for your help!

 

Miniature sitar from India.

 

Maybe Sarod from India?

 

I like your answer better!

 

Sith-tar....... from the 1st Star Wars Movie........... OR NOT !!!!

 

Perhaps a banjira miniature sitar:

https://larkinthemorning.com/collections/india-strings/products/strs-m

 

That's a Sitar from India, Not sure about its age, Seems pretty modern to me. And yes it is hand carved.

 

That's the name I was trying to remember! Thanks all!
PS - it is 25" long; so it's a miniature sitar?
Thanks again

 

I think Banjira is basically a brand or importer name; I would just call this a sitar, child-size or half-size. I've got one myself; it is playable, and might be used by a small child; but more likely just made for sale to tourists or anyone curious about sitar-playing who didn't want to invest in a full-size sitar; they are pretty big, and good full-size ones are not cheap. Full-size sitars are around 4 feet long, so this one is about half-size.

 

Thanks

 

Oh, Ravi Shankar -- love him! Here is an old video of Ravi and his daughter Anoushka, also a great sitar-ist. (Is that a word?)