It is a folk instrument, a symbol of Ukraine, known since the 11th century. Of course, it looked somewhat different, was simpler, and was also called the kobza. It had fewer strings (about 40) and resembled a lute.

The musicians sang folk songs and historical songs, thus spreading Ukrainian culture and history and conveying information about current events from place to place. They were, so to speak, the mass media of that time.

Naturally, the ruling regimes were not pleased with this, and the bandura players always fought for the right to free expression. During the Soviet era, under Stalin's regime, folk musicians were among the most persecuted and massacred. 

Nevertheless, Ukrainians preserved their instrument as a symbol of freedom and independence, and today there is a modern instrument with 62 strings that can play not only folk music but also music of various genres.