[1][2] It is the traditional instrument of the Gandarbha caste of musical performers, and is considered a companion to the Nepali sarangi.

[1][2] Although considered the oldest of the Gandarbha musical instruments, the aarbajo is in danger of dying out today.

[1] The whole instrument is carved from a single piece of Khirro wood (Sapium insigne).

As the aarbajo is viewed, standing upright, it has projections from the neck just above the bowl, similar to instruments from elsewhere in the mountains of Asia, including the Tibetan dranyen, Pamiri rubab and the Uyghur rawap.

"[6] Gandharva's songs and instrumental performances were used to illustrate the stories of people who ended up in jail for poaching.