The name of the instrument derives from the Persianized Hindustani word دلربا/दिलरुबा (dilrubā), literally meaning "that which ravishes or steals the heart.

[1][3] His innovations made it more convenient for the Sikh army (the khalsa) to carry the instrument on horseback.

[6] After the introduction of the harmonium to the Indian Subcontinent by the British Raj, the dilruba fell out of use due to its comparatively steeper learning curve.

In more recent times, it has had a resurgence, accompanying ragis in the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) since 2006,[5] and becoming more commonly taught within India and around the world.

The instrument has a medium-sized sitar-like neck with about 20 metal frets, which are meant to guide the hand placement of the player.