Kamancha plays an important role in Azerbaijani folk ensemble as a violin does in a symphonic orchestra. This instrument played with a bow is widespread amongst Eastern and Central Asian peoples under variety of names.

The earlier Kamanchas found in Azerbaijan were made of pumpkin and the wood of nutmeg and decorated with ivory. The one stringed and two stringed kamanchas are thought to be descendents of the ancient Azerbaijani instrument, Gopuz played with a bow.

Kamancha also appears in medieval Azerbaijani literature as well as traditional miniatures. One of the most famous members of the 16th century Tabriz school of miniature, Mir Saeed Ali depicts Kamancha among other instruments in his miniatures (see left).

The medieval musical analyst, Abdul Qadir Maraghai has specifically mentioned Kamancha among other instruments of the period.

Nizami Ganjavi has mentioned Kamancha in his famous epic of "Khosrov and Shirin".

Kamancha reached its highest level of popularity in 19th century, connected with development of Azerbaijan's khanande art (modal improvizations by folk singers).