Rubab, robab or rabab (Pashto: , rubāb, Urdu and Tajik and Uzbek рубоб, ) is a lute-like musical instrument originally from central Afghanistan and Pakistan.David Courtney, 'Rabab', Chandra & David's Homepage It derives its name from the Arab rebab which means "played with a bow" but the Central Asian instrument is plucked and is distinctly different in construction.