Sangeet Natak Akademi

Museum of P
erforming Arts
Performing
Gallery of Musical Instruments

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA

RABINDRA BHAVAN, FEROZ SHAH ROAD, NEW DELHI 110 001
Tel: 2338 7246, 2338 7248, 2338 2495
Fax: 91-11-2338 2659. Gram: NATAKADEMI
E-mail: mail@sangeetnatak.gov.in
Website: http://www.sangeetnatak.gov.in

Emperor Samudragupta (circa 4th century). Depicted in one of his

seals playing a string instrument. His title carved on it characterizes
him as a person who crossed the ocean of music.

A Glimpse of the Collection

Over the past fifty-odd years, Sangeet Natak Akademi has
acquired a large number of musical instruments, masks,
puppets, headgears and other artefacts of archival interest.
Its gallery of musical instruments was inaugurated by violinist
Yehudi Menuhin in 1964. A major exhibition of about four
hundred instruments was mounted in 1968. Since that time,
a number of exhibitions of musical instruments, masks and
puppets from the collection have been held in India and
other countries, including Italy (Rome), Russia (Moscow),
Greece (Athens), Egypt (Alexandria), Spain, South Korea,
etc. With about two thousand musical instruments, masks,
puppets and headgears, Sangeet Natak Akademis
collection is perhaps the largest of its kind in India.
The permanent galleries of musical instruments and masks
display a wide range of artefacts from different regions of
the country, representing varied traditions of performing
arts. Though not exhaustive, the instruments on display
represent the four-fold classification followed in India since
ancient times, namely, tata vadya (chordophones), sushira
vadya (aerophones), ghana vadya (idiophones), and
avanaddha vadya (membranophones). The two new
galleries of masks, displaying about a hundred objects are a
recent addition to the existing facilities.
In its effort to preserve and promote the art of instrumentmaking, the Akademi has honoured eminent instrumentsmakers with its Awards in recent years. Training programmes
in instrument-making under master craftsmen have also
been undertaken in Rajasthan, and in Kolkata, to
encourage young artisans to continue to work in their
hereditary occupations.
We hope our refurbished galleries and their exhibits will help
in disseminating information about the development of
music and other traditions of performing arts of India and
generate fresh interest in these arts.
Secretary
Sangeet Natak Akademi
New Delhi

ALGOJA: Aerophone
RAJASTHAN

A set of two equal sized

bamboo, beaked flutes. Five
finger holes and a fipple hole
on each flute. Both the flutes
are blown simultaneously by
the player. Used by Meo
community of Alwar, Rajasthan
as an accompaniment to their
folk and tribal songs.
APANG:: Chordophone
RAJASTHAN

A wooden shaft, bolted with a

hollow metal cylindrical
resonator at one end. The
resonator is open on top and
covered with skin at the
bottom. Only one steel string.
Held in one hand. Plucked with
index finger. Used by village
bards and mendicants.
BA-BANSI:: Aerophone
WEST BENGAL

An about two feet long

bamboo tube, with natural
node on one side. Blowing
hole near the closed end, and
six finger holes. Held
horizontally. Used in Nakcheng-renie dance.
BAGHRA:: Chordophone
ORISSA

A round earthen pitcher

covered with parchment. A gut
string is passed through skin.
Painted with traditional motifs.
Used as an accompaniment to
tribal songs.
BAGLIU:: Chordophone
GUJARAT

resonator with a skin covered

base. A single steel string
plucked rhythmically by index
finger or wooden plectrum.
Used by mendicants for vocal
accompaniment.
BAGLIU: Chordophone
GUJARAT

A monochord drone
instrument. A bamboo shaft
bolted with a hollow metal
resonator, covered with skin at
lower end. A single steel string
tied to a wooden peg stretched
and attached through the skin.
Plucked rhythmically with bare
finger or plectrum. Used by
village bards of Gujarat.

Algoja, Rajasthan

BAKAK DING DONG::

Chordophone
WEST BENGAL

A bamboo tube with naturally

closed ends. Thin bamboo
skins are sliced off keeping
both the ends intact. Two
bamboo bridges are fitted
under the strings to create the
tension on the strings and are
used for pitch adjustments. A
thin bamboo square plate
connects both the strings just
above the sound hole. Played
by sticks. Used in Nak-Cheng
renie dance of West Bengal.
BAMPATHYUT:: Aerophone
SIKKIM

A bird shaped bamboo whistle,

upper end open, and the lower
end is closed by natural node.
While playing, held in hand,
the open end placed on the
lower lip and blown.

A bamboo shaft with a notch at

one end, is bolted with a
hollow wooden cylindrical
5

BANAM:: Chordophone
BIHAR

A monochord instrument of
bowed variety of Tribal origin.
String made of gut. Used by the
Santhal tribe for
accompaniment to songs.
There are many varieties of
Banam.
BANKIA:: Aerophone

is played vertically down from

one end.
BARGU:: Aerophone
RAJASTHAN

A bronze trumpet made in two

parts. S shaped tube with a
cup shaped bell and an
integrated mouthpiece. Used
by Sargara community of
Rajasthan.

RAJASTHAN

A bronze trumpet made in two

parts. Bugle like tube and a
saucer shaped bell with an
integrated mouth piece. Used
in processions, religious and
social ceremonies in Rajasthan
and neighbouring regions.
BANS:: Aerophone
MADHYA PRADESH

A normal flute used by tribals,

made of bamboo. Three finger
and one blowing hole - held
transversely by both hands.
Decorated with colourful
thread hangings. Produces a
deep bass sound.

BHAJAN TAMBURA::
Chordophone
TAMILNADU

A drone instrument, made of

Jack wood. Hemispherical
resonator, covered with
wooden plank, long and
narrow shaft ending in a peg
box, two bridges and four steel
strings. Decorated with
celluloid strips. Strings are
plucked and strummed by right
hand fingers, used in
devotional and traditional
musical forms.
BHAJAN CHAKKALU::
Idiophone

BANSURI:: Aerophone

ANDHRA PRADESH

BIHAR

A bamboo tube with beak

shaped blowing hole. Six finger
holes and a fipple. Used in folk
music and dances. Used by
shepherd and cowherd
communities of Bihar.

A pair of wooden clappers,

with square ends and open
slits, in which thin brass plates
are attached. Clapped together
by one hand. Used for rhythmic
accompaniment with
devotional songs.

BANSURI:: Aerophone

BHENR:: Aerophone

RAJASTHAN

BIHAR

Long wooden cylindrical tube

with a break. The other end is
open. There is a fipple made
just after beak. Six finger holes
at the other end in two sets,
three each in one set. The flute

Cylindrical trumpet made of

copper. Used by Oraon tribes
of Bihar.

Bankia, Rajasthan

Bhajana Chakklu, Andhra Pradesh

BHUANJ:: Idiophone
ORISSA

Bhungal, Rajasthan

A long, oval shaped gourd,

loosely tied to the bamboo. A
bent branch of tree is tied to
the one end of the bamboo.
One end of a thick cotton cord
tied to the branch and other
end is tied to the peg, inserted
in the bamboo on the other
end. A tribal instrument
probably used in the narrative
forms.
BHUNGAL:: Aerophone
RAJASTHAN

Bidi, Karnataka

A long straight trumpet of

bronze, made in two parts.
Bowl shaped opening and an
integrated mouthpiece. Used in
religious and social
processions on occasions of
weddings and festivals.
BIDI:: Membranophone
KARNATAKA

A small deep clay bowl with

skin covered face, tied with
leather straps with the help of a
hoop and holes. Slung from
the neck, played with two thin
sticks. Used in processions and
religious ceremonies.
BINNOR:: Aerophone
MADHYA PRADESH

Bortal, Assam

Horn shaped trumpet made of

bronze, has an integrated
mouth piece with blowing hole.
Used in religious ceremonies,
processions and temple
worship.

an iron loop, also used to hold

the instrument, by left hand.
While playing bamboo stick is
struck rhythmically on the plate.
Used in group dances of
Sikkim.
BOM:: Membranophone
MEGHALAYA

A single headed large kettle

drum, chiselled out of soft
wood. Wide mouth covered
with thick hide tied with the
help of leather straps. Played
by two padded sticks. Usually
used for making public
announcements called Pyrta
Shnong and also used in
dancing festivals of Meghalaya.
BORTAL:: Idiophone
ASSAM

A pair of large size Cymbals,

made of refined bronze metal.
A huge ball shaped depression
at the centre. Both the units are
gripped separately and
clapped. Used in various folk
traditional forms of Assam.
BUDABUKKALU::
Membranophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

Skin covered hour glass

shaped wooden shell of small
size. Braced with cotton cord
through wire hoops. Knotted
cord tied at the waist. Used by
mendicants, snake charmers,
gypsies.
BUDUBUDUKAI::
Membranophone

BLINGTHOP:: Idiophone

TAMILNADU

SIKKIM

A small skin covered hour

glass shaped instrument made
of brass. Two knotted strings
strike the skin heads when

An elongated, oval shaped, flat

plate of soft wood and a thin
bamboo tube. Both are tied to

shaken vigorously. Used by

Kudu Kuduppandi a
wandering tribe of South India.
BURRAKATHA DAKKI::
Membranophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

A pitcher shaped brass vessel

having short neck and round
belly. The wider end covered
with skin with the help of
cotton cord through hoops and
an iron ring. Suspended from
neck, played by hands. Used by
Burrakatha balladeers.

produces vigorous rattling

sound. Used by tribal
community of Orissa in group
performances.
CHAMPAKADI DANDA::
Idiophone
ORISSA

A rattle used as a part of

rhythmic accompaniment with a
form of folk dancing called
Jadur Nautch.
CHANDRA PIRAI::
Membranophone
TAMILNADU

BURRAKATHA
TAMBURA: Chordophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

Rounded belly, long neck,

curved peg holder, all made of
wood. Four strings - three of
steel and one of brass. Main
and secondary bridges.
Decorated with inlay work.
Struck with inward and outward
movement of fingers. Used in
traditional form - Burrakatha
along with a traditional drum
called Burrakatha Dakki.
CHAKARA:: Chordophone
JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Skin covered resonator of

coconut shell, lathe finished
tubular body, three main strings
made of horse hair, three
sympathetic strings made of
steel. Played with bow. Used in
Folk and traditional music of
Jammu and Kashmir.

A crescent shaped iron rim is

attached to a bent iron strip by
a small iron rod. One face
covered with skin. Bent part is
tied on the forehead and
played with two sticks, along
with its pair called Surya Pirai.
Used in Mariamman temples
of village deities of South
India.
CHANG:: Membranophone
GUJARAT

Four pieces of bent wooden

planks are joined and riveted
for making a round wooden
frame. One side covered with
parchment. Beaten with two
thin sticks. Associated with
Holi Festival and used also
for rhythmic accompaniment
with community singing and
dancing.
CHANG:: Membranophone
RAJASTHAN

CHAMPAKADHI DANDA::
Idiophone
ORISSA

A full length thin bamboo tube.

Tassels of dried seeds tied
around the body. When shaken
8

Burrakatha Dakki, Andhra Pradesh

A large drum with a circular

wooden frame covered with
parchment on one side.
Parchment is fixed on the frame
with iron nails. Played by hands
and occasionally by an

Burrakatha Tambura, Andhra

Pradesh

Champakadi Danda, Orissa

additional stick hold between

the fingers. This instrument is
associated with the Holi
festival and is also used for
rhythmic accompaniment with
community singing and dancing
in Rajasthan.
CHANGU:: Membranophone
ORISSA

Chang, Rajasthan

An oval shaped frame

constructed by joining four
semi bent, wooden pieces.
Covered by skin on one side.
While playing it is suspended
from the shoulder and played
with two sticks. Used in folk
and traditional music among
Jaungs of Jaipur district of
Orissa.
CHATKULA:: Idiophone
MADHYA PRADESH

A pair of wooden clappers,

with up-raised handles and
sockets for inserting fingers.
Jingle bells tied at both the
ends. Played by one hand, and
clapped face to face. Used in
devotional and traditional
music.
Chempreng, Tripura

CHATKULA:: Idiophone
MADHYA PRADESH

Oval shaped small decorated

brass clappers. Little outward
bulge at centre with flat rim.
Metal finger loops at centre. A
small bunch of jingle bells
attached to the rim and loops.
Fingers are inserted through
rings and both the faces are
struck at each other. Used by
tribals of Bastar region of
Madhya Pradesh.

Chenda, Kerala

CHEMPRENG::
Chordophone
TRIPURA

Hollowed out of a single block

of wood. A kind of fibrous leaf
sheath of betel nut plant is
fixed over the long cylindrical
but flat front resonator.
Contains three strings one
of cotton and two of steel,
played by striking with a
plectrum. Used by the Tripuri
tribes of Tripura for
accompaniment with their
group songs and dances.
CHENCHUKHARRA::
Aerophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

A hollow bamboo tube. Upper

end blocked with node, lower
end open. Single beating straw
reed with six finger holes.
Blown through the nozzle and
used by Chenchu tribes of
Andhra Pradesh.
CHENDA:: Membranophone
KERALA

A hollow cylindrical drum

made of wood. Both faces
covered with thick parchments
and tied by thick movable
leather loops. Slung from the
waist, struck by two curved
wooden sticks. An essential
accompaniment for the
Kathakali dance of Kerala, also
used during temple rituals etc.
CHENDE:: Membranophone
KARNATAKA

A wooden cylindrical drum with

both the faces covered with
skin. Tied with the help of iron
hoops. Suspended from the
neck and played with sticks.
Used in Yakshagana.
9

CHIKARA:: Chordophone
RAJASTHAN

Arched resonator covered with

skin, finger board and peg box
made from a single block of
wood. Three steel strings. A
bird motif on top of the peg
box. Played with a bow. Used
by the Meo community of
Alwar district of Rajasthan for
vocal accompaniment.

CHITTIKA::
Idiophone
KARNATAKA

A pair of round wooden

clappers, with handle played by
striking each other. Used by
mendicants and devotional
singers.
CHITTIKATALA::
Idiophone
KARNATAKA

CHIKARA: Chordophone
MADHYA PRADESH

A bowed instrument of wood

with skin covered resonator.
Stem and peg box are
hollowed out at the reverse;
Three main twisted steel
strings, played with a bow.
Used by Pradhan community
for vocal accompaniment to
songs and dance sequences.

A pair of wooden clappers with

clashing surface. Jingle bells
attached on outer ends.
Clapped by one hand
rhythmically. Used by
devotional singers.
Occasionally used in folk
music.

Chikara, Madhya Pradesh

CHONAKA::
Chordophone
MAHARASHTRA

CHIKARA: Chordophone
MADHYA PRADESH

A bowed instrument with a

pear shaped parched
resonator. Two main and seven
sympathetic metal strings. Used
by the tribals of Madhya
Pradesh and neighbouring
regions.
CHIMTA:: Idiophone
PUNJAB

A long iron tong. Twelve sets

of metal plates loosely
attached to each blade. An iron
ring fixed at the bend. Held in
both hands, shaken
rhythmically to produce
Jingling sound. Used in folk,
traditional and devotional
music in North India.
Particularly in Punjab, Uttar
Pradesh and Haryana.

A wooden cylindrical
resonator, covered with skin on
one side. A nylon string passes
through the skin. The string is
pulled to create required
tension and plucked with a
plectrum held in right hand.
Mainly used for rhythmic
accompaniment, also provides
rudimentary melodic support.
Chittika, Karnataka

DAGAR::
Membranophone
ASSAM

Sliced neck of an earthen

pitcher, rim covered on one
side with tortoise vellum.
Loaded with black paste at the
centre. Used for rhythmic
accompaniment with Bihu
songs. Popular in Kamrup and
Mangaldoi areas of Assam.
Chittikatala, Karnataka

10

DAHARA:: Idiophone
JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Chimta, Punjab

A long iron rod, in which a

number of iron rings are
inserted. Shaken rhythmically.
Used in Satirical songs i.e.
Laddi Shah. The instrument
also known as Laddi Shah.
DAKKI::
Membranophone
KARNATAKA

Dama, Meghalaya

Hour glass shaped drum, skin

heads on both sides with the
help of bamboo hoops. Held
by its middle part, one face
struck by stick. Used by
mendicants and folk singers.
Also on traditional and
ceremonial occasions.
DAMA::
Membranophone
MEGHALAYA

Damaru, Laddakh

Damaru, Laddakh

DAMARAM::
Membranophone
TAMILNADU

A pair of equal sized conical

drums, made of riveted iron
sheets. Covered with skin.
Beaten by two curved sticks.
Used in temple processions
etc. in Tamilnadu.
DAMARU::
Membranophone
LADDAKH

A small hour glass shaped

wooden drum with both the
faces covered with skin. A
coloured silk cloth tied around
the drum waist. Also attached
are two knotted cords to strike
the heads. Used by Lamas in
religious ceremonies.
DAMARU::
Membranophone

A cylindrical bifacial drum,

made of soft wood. Both faces
covered with skin, laced by red
straps. Coloured with golden
and red paints. Suspended
from the neck horizontally and
played by both hands. Used by
tribes of hilly areas of
Meghalaya.

LADDAKH

DAMA::
Membranophone

DAMROO::
Membranophone

TRIPURA

NORTH INDIA

A large cylindrical drum of

wood, tapering on right side.
Both the faces are covered with
skin stretched and fixed by
means of leather braces. Hung
around the neck, and played
with both the hands. Used by
tribals of Tripura.

An hour-glass shaped hollow

brass shell covered with skin
and tied with lacing cotton
cords. Two cotton knots
attached to strike the heads
alternately when manipulated.
Used by mendicants, snake
charmers, gypsies and jugglers
in their daily professional
performances in local fairs in
villages.

An hour-glass shaped drum

made of human skull with skin
covered faces. A coloured
cloth, silk strips tied around the
drum waist. Also attached are
two knotted cords to strike the
heads. Used by the Lamas in
ritualistic dance.

11

DAMROO:: Membranophone

DAS-KATHI:: Idiophone

TAMILNADU

ORISSA

An hour glass shaped body

made of brass. Faces covered
with hide fastened by cotton
cords. A knotted cotton cord
attached on opposite ends on
the bracing cord. Held by one
hand, player makes the knots
to strike drum heads. Used by
Kudukuduppai Andi of
Tamilnadu.

A pair of hard wood pieces

held in right hand and clashed
together in a skilled manner.
Used in a folk form of Orissa
know as Das Kathia.

DAMRU:: Membranophone
BIHAR

An hour glass shaped shell of

wood with hooped skin cover
and knotted cotton cord. Held
by the middle and shaken
vigorously. Used by mendicants
snake charmers, gypsies and
jugglers.

DAVANDI:: Membranophone
TAMILNADU

Hour glass shaped small drum

of brass. Hooped parchment is
stretched over both the faces.
Held in left hand and is struck
by a thin wooden stick by right
hand. Used in religious,
auspicious occasions and
temple services.
DEVALAI SANGU::
Aerophone
TAMILNADU

A wooden hour glass shaped

shell with skin-covered heads,
braced with cord through
bamboo hoops. Knotted ends
strike the heads when shaken.
Used by mendicants.

A conch shell with funnel

shaped mouth piece of brass,
fitted on the blowing end. An
elaborate decorative piece of
brass attached on the other
end by means of wax. Used in
Panchavadya ensemble. Also
used in religious, auspicious
occasions in temples.

DANDA:: Idiophone

DENDUNG:: Chordophone

MADHYA PRADESH

ASSAM

A pair of wooden sticks of

equal length with jingle bells
on one end. Is an important
instrument is Saila Dance of
the Gond Tribes of Madhya
Pradesh.

The epidermis of a number of

bamboo reeds are sliced and
lifted off from the body.
Keeping both the extreme ends
intact. Reeds are tied with
cotton cord. Played with thin
bamboo sticks. Used for
rhythmic accompaniment.

DAMRU:: Membranophone
GUJARAT

DANDIA:: Idiophone
GUJARAT

Lathe finished, lacquer painted

colourful wooden pair of
sticks. Held in hands and struck
together with the rhythm of the
Ras dance of Gujarat.
12

Davandi, Tamilnadu

DHAK: Membranophone
WEST BENGAL

A bifacial huge drum made of

wood. Two faces covered with
cow skin. While playing slung

Devalai Sangu, Tamilnadu

from one shoulder in tilted

position. Only one face beaten
with two curved sticks. Used in
festivities specially on Durga
Puja. Also called Jai Dhak.
DHAMBARU::
Membranophone
ORISSA

Dhana Koila, Orissa

Hour-glass-shaped
membranophone with two
skin-heads laced to the
wooden shell by cotton rope.
Two strings with knots on the
ends are tied in the middle
part. With rapid successive
movement of the hand knots
strike alternately on the heads.
Used by mendicants, snake
charmers etc. for their
professional performances.
DHANA KOILA:: Idiophone
ORISSA

This instrument consists of four

separate parts, a round earthen
pot painted with folk motifs, a
winnowing tray, a bow and a
wooden stick with jingle bells
fixed at both ends. It is a
composite instrument, able to
produce simple drone and
rhythmic rattling effects. The
wider mouth of pot is covered
with tray in inverted position.
One end of bow is firmly
attached on the tray, whereas
other end is pressed under the
right arm or leg of the player.
String is plucked by right arm.
Occasionally the rod is rubbed
on the teeth on the arch of the
bow. The pot acts as a
resonator. Accompanies
traditional narrative forms in
Ganjam district of Orissa.

DHANI SARANGI:
Chordophone
RAJASTHAN

A bowed instrument scooped

out of a single piece of wood.
Skin covered trapezoid belly,
rectangular finger board and a
square peg box. Four main gut
strings are tied to round big
pegs whereas seventeen
sympathetic steel strings tied to
conical pegs on left wall of the
main body. Played with a horse
hair bow. Used by Jogi
community of Rajasthan.
DHOL:: Membranophone
ASSAM

A barrel shaped drum

hollowed out of single piece of
wood. Right head is bigger and
has higher pitch than left one.
Both the faces are covered with
Thin leather and tied with the
help of Gajara like Tabla and
interlaced to the shell and the
hoop at the other end by thin
and dense leather strapping. It
is slung horizontally from the
neck. Played by stick and right
hand fingers. Used in
traditional and folk forms of
Assam particularly in Bihu
festival. Also called a Bihu
Dhol.
DHOL:: Membranophone
HIMACHAL PRADESH

A barrel shaped drum of brass.

Skin stretched on both faces by
means of a cotton cord tied
through the hoops on both
sides. Painted cotton loops
inserted in the cords. Played
with stick and hand. Used in
Himachali folk and traditional
music and dance sequences.

Dhani Sarangi, Rajasthan

13

DHOL::
Membranophone
KERALA

A frame drum. Used for

accompanying songs during
festivals also used while
making important public
announcements.
DHOL::
Membranophone
ORISSA

Barrel shaped hollowed

wooden body with skin
covered faces. Left face has
thick raw hide whereas right
face has a thin skin for higher
pitch. Slung from the neck,
beaten with hand and stick.
Used in folk dances and
festivities.
DHOL::
Membranophone
WEST BENGAL

A barrel shaped bifacial drum

made of wood. Both sides
covered with parchment and
laced by leather straps, through
leather hoops at both ends.
Right face is smaller than left
face. Struck by two sticks of
different shapes for producing
various tonal and rhythmic
patterns. A printed cotton cloth
is wrapped around the body.
Used in folk music and dance
of West Bengal.
DHUDKI:: Chordophone
ORISSA

A barrel shaped wooden

resonator with skin covered
face. One side kept open. A
gut string is passed through
skin and fixed under the
parchment. While playing,
resonator is pressed under left
14

arm and the string is pulled

with the same hand fingers.
Stretched string is plucked with
a plectrum held in right hand.
Used for rudimentary melodic
and rhythmic support to the
singer.
DHUMSA::
Membranophone
ORISSA

Vessel shaped skin covered

hemispherical bowl made of
riveted iron sheets. X pattern
bracing. Placed on the ground
or hung around the neck,
played with two sticks. Used in
Seraikella Chhau dance
performance for rhythmic
accompaniment.
DHUMSA::
Membranophone
WEST BENGAL

Huge cup shaped hollowed

wooden body, covered with
metal sheets. Drum face
covered with thick hide and tied
with leather bracing. Played
with two sticks and used in
Purulia Chhau dance of West
Bengal.
DILRUBA: Chordophone
NORTH INDIA

A fretted bowed instrument

with a parched resonator and a
flat finger board. Four main
metal strings, twenty
sympathetic strings and
nineteen elliptical frets. Played
with a horse hair bow. Used as
a solo as well as an
accompanying instrument in
Northern Classical music. Also
popularly used as an
accompanying instrument to
Gurubani.

Dilruba, North India

DO-BANDI-BANSI::
Aerophone
ORISSA

A long bamboo tube. Two

flutes are made on either side
of the natural node, which is
knocked-out and made blowing
hole. Two fipple holes on both
sides which have wax stopping.
Movable palm stopper. Five
finger holes on each flute. Held
transversely and blown through
the central blowing hole. Used
by cowherd and folk musicians.
DOGALA::
Membranophone
GUJARAT

A pair of two hemispherical

kettle drums of baked clay,
covered with skin. Left one is
bigger than right one. Played
together either in sitting or
standing position. Beaten with
two wooden sticks. Used on
social, religious and
auspicious occasions.
Dotara, Assam

DOLU::
Membranophone
KARNATAKA

Bifacial wooden cylindrical

body. Faces covered with skin
suspended from the neck,
played with two sticks. Used in
community group dancing and
folk ensembles.
DOTARA:
Chordophone
ASSAM

A plucked instrument with

Cylindrical wooden body. A
lizard skin covered bowl
shaped resonator, long neck,
and a round peg box. Four
strings, plucked by a plectrum
with right hand whereas the

strings are stopped by left hand

fingers. Used by the folk and
traditional singers of
Goalpara and Kamroop
districts of Assam.
DRUM:: Membranophone
KERALA

A cylindrical drum. Crudely

shaped out of a log of tree
trunk. Deer skins are stretched
on the both heads held through
big holes made at the edges of
the skin covers and thin leather
straps. The instrument is
suspended horizontally with
the help of a piece of coconut
rope and played by both hands.
Used by the Kurumba tribes of
Kerala in their group dance
and music.
DUFF::
Membranophone
MAHARASHTRA

A wooden circular frame drum

covered on one side with skin.
Held in left hand and beaten
with stick held in right hand.
Used in folk and traditional
music and dance, particularly in
Pavada and Sahiri songs.
DUTTATREYA VEENA::
Chordophone
NORTH INDIA

An improvised composite
instrument. A gourd resonator
attached to a wide finger
board. Geared pegs on a
square framed peg box. Five
main strings of steel and brass,
five drone strings, twenty
Swarmandala steel strings. It
is played in the same way as
Sitar is played with
occasional strumming on the
Swarmandala.
15

EDAKKA:
Membranophone
KERALA

An hour-glass-shaped two
headed drum, slung from left
shoulder. The right face is
struck with a stick, while left
hand is used for varying the
tension of the parchment by
pulling and releasing the
cotton cord wound round the
waist of the drum. Used as a
part of instrumental ensemble,
in the rituals conducted in the
temples of Kerala. Also as an
accompaniment to Kathakali
and Mohiniattam classical
dances.
EK-BANDI-BANSI::
Aerophone
ORISSA

A cylindrical bamboo tube with

five finger holes. Blowing hole
divided with wax. Held with
both hands, blown through the
embouchure. Used by graziers
of Orissa.
EKKALAM:: Aerophone
TAMILNADU

A brass tube with a saucer

shaped opening and an
integrated mouth rest. Three
bulging rings surround the
tube. Used in temple music,
processions etc.
EKTARA::
Chordophone
KASHMIR

A bamboo piece inserted

through a gourd covered with a
skin. Contains a single steel
string stretched over the
bamboo stick and tied to a
wooden tuning peg at the
upper end of the stick. Plucked
16

rhythmically by right hand index

finger. Used by singers of
Kashmir and neighbouring
regions as a drone instrument.
EKTARA::
Chordophone
MAHARASHTRA

A bamboo is inserted through

the centre of gourd, upper side
of the gourd sliced out and
covered with skin. A single
steel string. Plucked with finger
or plectrum. Used by
traditional folk singers in
Maharashtra as a drone
instrument.

Ek-Bandi-Bansuri, Orissa

ESRAJ::
Chordophone
WEST BENGAL

A medium sized bowed

instrument. Resonator and
finger board with peg box
made separately and later on
joint together. Entire body
made of wood, resonator
covered with goat skin. Four
main strings, 15 sympathetic
strings and nineteen frets.
Played with a horse hair bow.
Used in North Indian classical
concerts as a solo instrument.
Also a popular accompanying
instrument of Rabindra
Sangeet.

Duttatreya Veena, North India

GABGUBI:: Chordophone
BIHAR

Skin covered barrel shaped

resonator of tin. Hole on one
face. A cotton string passed
through the parchment and
fixed. Resonator pressed under
the left arm, string is pulled by
same hand and plucked by right
hand. Used by Baul singers
and folk singers.

Ektara, Maharashtra

Esraj, West Bengal

GETTU VADYAM::
Chordophone

GHUMAT:: Membranophone

TAMILNADU

A baked earthen pitcher,

covered at wider end with
lizard skin and upper side
open. When played, slung from
the shoulder and beaten with
fingers of the both hands. Used
in folk and traditional musical
ensembles of Goa.

An instrument with round

wooden resonator, long neck
and bent peg box ending with a
lion motif. Also contains an
extra resonator. Strings four in
number, made of steel, are
struck with a bamboo blade
and stopped by another blade,
used as a drone cum rhythmic
accompaniment. A rare
instrument.

Gettu Vadyam, Tamilnadu

GHANTA:: Idiophone
TAMILNADU

Ghatam, Tamilnadu

Ghera, Rajasthan

A bell made of brass, iron

clapper is suspended inside the
bell. It is suspended from the
ceiling of the foyer through
iron chain. It is an important
item of worship in the temple.
Played by swinging clapper.
Used in temples.
GHATAM:: Idiophone
TAMILNADU

Ghumat, Goa

A pitcher shaped pot made of

baked clay with a large belly.
Mouth is left uncovered.
Beaten with fingers, palms, fists
and nails of both the hands on
various parts of the pot, to get
wide variety of sounds and
tones. Used in South Indian
classical concerts with
Mridangam and Khanjeera.
GHERA::
Membranophone

GOA

GHUMERA::
Membranophone
ORISSA

A pitcher shaped pot with long

neck, bulged belly and skin
covered wide opening. Body
made of clay, tied vertically
around the waist and played by
both hands. Used in a folk
dance form GhumeraNautcha by Ghumra
community of Orissa. Painted
with folk motifs.
GHURARIA:: Idiophone
RAJASTHAN

A variety of Jews harp. A small

bamboo piece with a thin
tongue sliced off at the middle,
making the entire body a
resonator. A thin cotton cord
with jingle bells tied at the
upper end, and the split lower
end is again tied with cotton
thread so that the centre
tongue can vibrate freely in
between. Pressed between the
teeth, the string is plucked by
fingers. Used in folk dance and
music of Western Rajasthan.

RAJASTHAN

An octagonal frame drum. Face

covered with skin. Played with
a padded stick. Used by folk
musicians of Rajasthan in
group singing. Associated with
the Holi festival.

GILLUGILLUPA:: Idiophone
TAMILNADU

Two metal cones, welded

together at the rim to make a
hollow chamber. A number of
small metal pallets are filled
17

inside, shaken vigorously. Used

in folk music and dance of
Tamilnadu.
GINI::
Idiophone
ORISSA

Two small metal disks of brass

with a slight bulge in the
centre. Units are struck face to
face. Used in Kirtan and other
devotional songs. A type of
manjira.
GINTONG::
Chordophone
ASSAM

A bamboo tube with natural

node intact on one end and
open at the other. Thin string
like epidermis of the bamboo
is sliced off from the body
keeping both the ends intact.
Two bamboo bridges to create
tension on the strings. A thin
bamboo connector connects
both the strings just above the
sound hole made at the centre
of the bamboo. Used by the
tribals of Assam.
GOICHEI::
Aerophone
MANIPUR

Made out of a natural buffalo

horn. No mouth piece but the
blowing hole is made by
chopping off the tip of the
horn. Used in group dances.
Ceremonial and religious
occasions.
GOPI JANTAR::
Chordophone
ORISSA

Cylindrical wooden resonator

with base covered with skin,
attached to a split bamboo. A
18

single steel string plucked

rhythmically by index finger.
Used by Bauls and
mendicants of Orissa and
neighbouring regions as a
drone instrument. The split
bamboo is manipulated to
produce variations in tone.
GOTTU VADYAM:
Chordophone
TAMILNADU

A plucked instrument without

frets. Resonator and finger
board made of jack wood. Five
main strings, two of coiled
copper and three steel strings,
and three drone strings; with
twelve sympathetic steel strings
and on extra resonator. Strings
are plucked by the plectrum
worn on fingers of right hand
whereas the player stops the
strings to produce the notes
with the help of a cylindrical
piece of wood called gottu by
left hand. Used in South Indian
classical music as a solo
instrument.

Gopi Jantar, Orissa

GOWRI KALAM::
Aerophone
TAMILNADU

Conical straight metal trumpet.

Made in three parts with four
small circular bulge around the
tube. A disc shaped bell and an
integrated mouth piece. Used
in temple processions and
religious ceremonies.

Gottu Vadyam, Tamilnadu

GUJARATAN SARANGI:
Chordophone
RAJASTHAN

Made out of a single log of

wood, rectangular skin covered
resonator, narrow finger board
with a square peg box. Two

Gintong, Assam

steel and two gut strings. Eight

sympathetic steel strings,
played with a bow. Used as an
accompaniment to traditional
song and dance sequences of
Langa community of West
Rajasthan.

strings. Played with a bow

made of horse hair. Used by
Pradhan community of
Madhya Pradesh as an
accompanying instrument.

HALGI::
Membranophone

RAJASTHAN

An iron shallow frame drum.

One side is covered with skin
and laced to an iron ring at the
back by leather strap. While
playing it is held in one hand,
put at the shoulder level and
gently stroked. Used by
traditionally and folk drummers
of Gujarat.

A single piece, cone shaped

instrument. Made out of many
metal pieces riveted together.
Skin fastened with intricate
lacing through upper hoop and
one small leather hoop at the
bottom. Possibly played along
with a similar type of a bigger
drum. Beaten with two sticks.
Used in traditional and folk
music of Rajasthan.

HALGI::
Membranophone

JHANJA::
Idiophone

MAHARASHTRA

ORISSA

A skin covered circular wooden

frame drum. The skin is tied up
through a leather cord with the
help of an iron ring at the back.
Beaten with a pair of sticks.
Used by folk musicians in their
music and dance sequences in
Maharashtra.

Two medium sized discs made

out of bell metal. Held by the
attached cotton cord and struck
facing each other. Used as
secondary rhythmic
accompaniment in Pala and
Kirtan forms of music in
Orissa.

HATH GHANTI::
Idiophone

JOGI KENDRA::
Chordophone

ORISSA

ORISSA

A small metal bell with small

handle and a tongue. Used in
temples in religious
ceremonies.

A bamboo attached to a
coconut shell, which is covered
with parchment. A bunch of
horse hair knitted together
hooked into the string holder
stretched and tied at the upper
part of the bamboo. Bowed
with a horse hair bow. Used by
the folk and traditional
musicians of Orissa and
neighbouring regions.

GUJARAT

Halgi. Maharashtra

JANTAR:: Chordophone
MADHYA PRADESH

Jantar, Madhya Pradesh

JEEL::
Membranophone

Stick type wooden body with

two gourds tied to it. Twelve
raised wooden frets at the
centre. One main and one
auxiliary bridge, with two steel

19

JOGI SARANGI::
Chordophone

KACHWA SITAR::
Chordophone

UTTAR PRADESH

NORTH INDIA

A bowed instrument carved out

of a single piece of mango
wood with an elongated
resonator, a finger board and
square peg box. Resonator
covered with parchment. Three
main gut strings tied to the
string holder, stretched parallel
to the body, and go to their
respective pegs. Seven
sympathetic strings stretched in
the similar manner and
connected to the smaller pegs
on the side wall of the finger
board. One main bridge, made
of wood, mounted on the
resonator and one leather
bridge at the upper side of the
finger board. A heart shaped
sound hole made on the
resonator. Profusely decorated
with ivory inlay work. While
playing, either suspended from
the shoulder or placed on the
lap. Bowed with a horse hair
made bow. Used by Jogi
community of Uttar Pradesh.

A plucked instrument of lute

category. Finger-board and peg
box made of wood. The
resonator is made of half cut
gourd. The long and broad
finger board has nineteen frets
tied with silk thread. Five main,
two drone and thirteen
sympathetic strings rest on one
main and one auxiliary bridge.
A rare northern Indian concert
instrument.

JOGI SARANGI:
Chordophone
RAJASTHAN

A bowed instrument scooped

out of a single log of wood.
Centrally depressed parched
resonator, rectangular finger
board and a square peg box.
Two gut and two steel strings.
Eleven sympathetic steel
strings. Decorated with inlay
work. Played with a horse hair
bow. Used by Jogi community
as an accompaniment to the
narrative songs based on the
lives of local religious heroes.

KAKAD SINGHI::
Aerophone
GUJARAT

Jogi Sarangi, Uttar Pradesh

Made of two bent brass tubes.

Lower half missing. Upper part
with funnel shaped opening.
Round bulging rings surround
the tube at intervals. Used in
folk music and dance
ensembles.
KAHL:: Aerophone
HIMACHAL PRADESH

A brass tube of straight bore

having double bents. Saucer
shaped bell and integrated
mouth rest. Blown through the
mouthpiece. Used in folk music
and also in processions at the
time of festivals.
KALASI::
Membranophone
LACCADIVES

A wooden frame drum,

covered with parchment. Held
by left hand and beaten by right
hand fingers. Used by the folk
group dancers while dancing in
a group.
Kachwa Sitar, North India

20

KAMAICHA::
Chordophone
RAJASTHAN

A bowed instrument with a big

bowl shaped skin covered
resonator, a rectangular finger
board and a round peg box.
Three main gut strings and
eight drone steel strings are
attached to a metal hook,
passed over the bridge and tied
to the pegs. Played with a bow
made of Shisham wood and
horse hair. Used by the
Manganiar Community of
West Rajasthan as a popular
accompaniment to their songs.
KAMSALE:: Idiophone
KARNATAKA

A pair of clappers with a cup

shaped metal disc and a deep
central depression. Made of
bell metal. Thick cotton sling is
tied to the disc. Used as
rhythmic accompaniment in
devotional music and dance of
Karnataka.
KANAKA TAMATEE::
Membranophone
Kamaicha, Rajasthan

KARNATAKA

Bowl shaped metal vessel

covered with skin. A thin iron
ring at the edge. It is fastened
around the waist and played
with sticks. Used in
processional and ceremonial
music.

covered over the instrument.

Played by either hands or
sticks. Used in folk and
traditional music and dance.
KARNA:: Aerophone
RAJASTHAN

A long brass trumpet, made in

two parts. Funnel shaped wide
opening and integrated mouth
piece at narrow end. Held in
both hands and blown. Used in
religious, social ceremonies,
and processions.
KARNAL:: Aerophone
HIMACHAL PRADESH

A long brass trumpet, made in

two sections. A mouth piece
and an open conical bell. Held
diagonally by both hands, and
blown through the mouth
piece. Used in folk music,
temple services and
processions.
KARNAT:: Aerophone
GUJARAT

A long trumpet with huge

conical opening and narrowed
down to a blowing hole with
flat mouth rest. Made of
copper sheet. Used in religious
ceremonies at the time of
procession. Also used as an
accompaniment to the folk
music and dance of Gujarat.
KARTAL:: Idiophone
RAJASTHAN

KARADI VADYA::
Membranophone
KARNATAKA

Karnat, Gujarat

A barrel shaped bifacial

wooden drum. Faces are
covered with skin and tied with
the help of iron rings and
cotton cord. Decorated cloth is

A pair of wooden clappers with

four sets of thin brass plates.
Played by one hand, worn in
one hand by means of thumb
and finger holes. Both the
pieces are clashed face to face.
Used in devotional and folk
music.
21

KHAM::
Membranophone
TRIPURA

A cylindrical bifacial wooden

shell. Both the faces covered
with skin. Right face high
pitched than the left. While
playing hung from the neck and
beaten with both hands. Used
by tribals of Tripura in their
group dance and songs.
KHANGLING::
Aerophone
LADDAKH

A rare instrument made of

seasoned and dried-up human
bone. A metal cap with a
blowing hole at upper end.
Orifices at lower end covered
with black skin. Blown through
the hole. Used by the Lamas
of Buddhist monasteries for
their ritualistic purpose.

for rhythmic accompaniment in

devotional, folk and traditional
music of Rajasthan.
KHANJERI::
Membranophone
MADHYA PRADESH

A round wooden frame drum

covered with skin on one side.
Held by left hand and beaten
with right hand fingers and
palm. Used by Gond tribes of
Madhya Pradesh.
KHARAM-DUBANG::
Membranophone
ASSAM

Two hemispherical kettle drums

made of burnt clay. Left one is
almost three times larger than
right one. Skin covered faces
played together with sticks.
Used in folk and community
songs and dances in Assam.

KHANJARI::
Membranophone

KHOL::
Membranophone

GUJARAT

WEST BENGAL

A round wooden frame drum

covered with skin on one side.
Nailed at the edges are 13
pairs of jingle brass plates.
Used by folk singers and
dancers of Gujarat and
neighbouring regions.

Widely used bifacial

percussion instrument of clay
of the eastern region. Right
side head is much smaller and
higher-pitched than the left
head. The two faces of the
drum are covered with layered
skin held by braids and thirty
two thin leather strips. Right
face of the drum loaded with
black paste and left with mud
and rice dust. Slung from the
neck horizontally, played with
both the hands. Used in
traditional and devotional
music forms like Kirtan, Bhajan
and Baul singing.

KHANJARI::
Membranophone
RAJASTHAN

A frame drum with a wooden

rim on one face on which a
very thin transparent skin is
stretched and pasted at the
edges. The other side is open.
Painted with yellow, black and
red colour bands. Held in left
hand and beaten with right
hand palm and fingers. Used
22

Khol, West Bengal

KHUNG:: Aerophone
MANIPUR

A bowl shaped gourd with a

long neck in which a bamboo
nozzle an three bamboo tubes
with finger holes are inserted.
Held in both hands, blown
through the nozzle. Used by
the folk musicians of Manipur
and neighbouring regions for
melodic accompaniment.
KING:: Chordophone
KASHMIR

An instrument of zither variety.

Two gourds are tied under a
bamboo tube with a square flat
wooden bridge. Single steel
string plucked with right hand
finger. Whereas left hand finger
stop the string on frets. Thick
conical frets are made of wood
with a metal strip nailed on top
portion. Used in folk and
traditional music as an
accompaniment to the vocalist.
KOKKARA:: Idiophone
TAMILNADU

Khung, Manipur

An iron scraper. Made in two

parts: a scraper and an iron
rod. The iron rod, when drawn
over the series of the notches
carved on the scraper produces
a rattling sound. Used by
Kannikars of Kerala with
Chattupatta in a form of
singing sung specially to drive
away the evil spirit. Also used
in Tamilnadu.
KOLATTAM KARA::
Idiophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

Pair of long lathe-finished and

lacquer painted wooden sticks.
They are struck together. Used

in Kolattam - a dance form of

Andhra Pradesh.
KONAKOMBU::
Aerophone
TAMILNADU

S shaped brass tube, made in

three bent parts. Wide opening
and an integrated mouth piece.
Used in receptions, public
amusements, martial arts and
temple music.
KSING SHYNRANG::
Membranophone
MEGHALAYA

A wooden bifacial cylindrical

body covered with parchment
and laced to the body by
leather straps. Iron rings are
inserted in the straps for tuning
the drum. Right face smaller
than left face. Small face played
with stick and left face the
bigger one, played by hand. It
is used in religious dance
festival called Ka Shad Nong
Krim of Khasi community of
Jaintia hills.
KSING-PHONG::
Idiophone
MEGHALAYA

About two feet long, fifteen

bamboo tubes tied together.
The skin of bamboo sticks are
splited and lifted off from the
body. Two bamboo sticks are
fitted in between the skin and
the sticks on both corners and
two long sticks at the centre.
Held with one hand and struck
with stick, rhythmically from the
other hand. Used in religious
and festival dances of Khasi of
Jaintia hills and neighbouring
regions.

23

KUNDALAM::
Membranophone
TAMILNADU

A pair of drums, shell made of

brass covered with parchment.
Played by two curved sticks.
While playing both are slung
from the waist. Used in
Poyakkal Diraiattam - a type of
dummy horsed dance for
rhythmic accompaniment.
LEBANG-TI:: idiophone
TRIPURA

A long bamboo tube split in

half keeping the end node
intact. A considerable portion
of the side walls are sliced off
to provide a spring action in
the arms. A single string tied to
each arm. Kept vertically on the
ground. While playing, it is
struck rhythmically on the face.
Used by the tribals of Tripura
particularly in a form called
Lebang Bumani.
LHA: Chordophone

Suspended from the neck and

played by hands. Used in tribal
community dances.
MAGUDI:: Aerophone
TAMILNADU

The instrument consists of

bulbous gourd air chamber and
blowing hole. Two tubes
probably made of bamboo are
inserted into the air chamber.
One of the tubes has seven
finger holes and one rear, and
the other has two holes on the
side. Used by snake charmers
and jugglers.

Kundalam, Tamilnadu

MAHURI:: Aerophone
ORISSA

A wooden tube having double

beating reed and seven
fingering holes, a metallic bell
attached in front. Blown
through the reed. Used on
auspicious, social and
religious occasions. A
prominent accompaniment in
Dalkha performance.

Magudi, Tamilnadu

MANIPUR

A single stringed bowed

instrument with horse hair
string and a coconut shell
resonator. Long collapsible
bow of arched iron rod, hair
stitched to cotton pads at both
ends on bamboo handles.
Jingle bells tied to the iron rod.
Used as an accompaniment to
dance and music.
MADAL:: Membranophone
ORISSA

A bifacial barrel shaped drum

made of baked clay. Both the
faces covered with parchment
and tied with dense leather
lacing through hoops. Black
paste loading on both faces.
24

MAJHI KENDRA::
Chordophone
ORISSA

A bamboo finger board

inserted into the skin covered
resonator made of buffalo
horn. A bunch of horse hair is
used for making a single string.
Played with a bow made of
horse hair. Used by the Majhi
tribe of Mayurbhanj district for
accompaniment with vocal
music.
MAKARA VEENA::
Chordophone
TAMILNADU

Looks like a crocodile. Made

of hard wood. Consists of a

Mahuri, Orissa

resonator, finger board and

peg box. Fourteen frets made
of bone. Two steel strings
resting on a wooden bridge
and tied to pegs at upper end.
Playing technique probably
resembles to South Indian
Veena. Probably a replica of
some ancient instrument.
MAKARA YAZH::
Chordophone

hands. Used by Oraon

drummers and dancers in
group dance.
MANDIRA:: Idiophone
ORISSA

A pair of small metal bowls

having deep pointed bulge at
centre. Struck frontally or edge
to edge. Used in devotional
forms of music.

TAMILNADU

MANJIRA:: Idiophone

A replica of an old musical

instrument. A hollow fish
shaped wooden body with
fourteen wooden pegs at the
tail in which steel strings are
tied. The strings were probably
strummed by fingers for
providing melodic support to
the vocalists.

GUJARAT

MANDAR::
Membranophone

A pair of clappers made of

wood. Jingle plates are loosely
attached to the body by means
of iron nails. The body is
beautifully carved with bird
motifs. Played by one hand, by
holding the clappers between
thumb and four fingers. Used in
devotional singing. Also called
Kartal or Khartal in North
India.

BIHAR

Makara Yazh, Tamilnadu

A bifacial drum. Both sides are

covered with parchment and
laced by leather straps through
leather hoops at both ends.
Right side loaded with black
paste. Whereas left side is
treated with rice paste. The
shell is covered all round with
the leather straps. Slung
horizontally by leather string
around the neck and played by
both hands. Used in group
singing for rhythmic
accompaniment. Covered by a
colorful cloth.
MANDER::
Membranophone
BIHAR

Barrel shaped shell made of

baked clay, both heads covered
with skin. Played by both

MASHAK:: Aerophone
RAJASTHAN

A bag pipe, made out of full

size goat skin. A decorative
blowing pipe, made of bamboo
and having five finger holes,
inserted and fixed in the bag
with the help of wax. Blown
through the mouth. The inflated
bag serving as the air chamber,
is operated by the pressure of
arms. Used in folk music and
dance.
MIENG:: Idiophone
MEGHALAYA

A Jews harp made of bamboo.

A vibrating tongue is sliced off
at the centre. Held firmly
between the lips and plucked
on one side by fingers. The
mouth acts as a resonator. It is
25

used by cowherds and

shepherds of Meghalaya and
neighbouring areas.
MIZHAVU::
Membranophone
KERALA

A pitcher shaped single face

drum, made of copper, mouth
covered with skin. Kept on a
wooden stand while playing.
Played by both the hands. Used
by the Nambiyar community of
Kerala in Kudiattam.
MOHURI::
Aerophone
MADHYA PRADESH

Made in two parts wooden

tube and funnel shaped bell.
Six finger holes, double
beating reed. Blown through
the reed. Used in auspicious,
social and religious
ceremonies.

firmly between the teeth and

the free tongue is struck in a to
and fro movement by right
hand fore finger. The mouth of
the player acts as a resonator.
MRIDANG::
Membranophone
SOUTH INDIA

Bifacial cylindrical drum made

of wood, tapering down to
both ends. Layered parchments
stretched over both faces and
braced with thin leather straps
through hoops. Thin wooden
wedges between body and
leather straps, used for pitch
adjustment. Black paste in
various layers loaded on right
face. Much smaller then the
classical Mridangam. Possibly
used in folk forms.

Mizhavu, Kerala

MRIDANGAM::
Membranophone
SOUTH INDIA

MOOKH VEENA::
Aerophone
TAMILNADU

A conical wooden tube and a

wooden bell attached together.
Eight finger holes and double
beating reed. Used in temples
to the accompaniment of a
drone and maddalam on the
occasion of certain minor
services. Also used in
Nagaswaram ensembles.
MORCHANG::
Idiophone
RAJASTHAN

A Jews harp, made of metal

and decorated with a peacock
head motif. The instrument is
held between the thumb and
the forefinger of the left hand.
A portion of Lamela is pressed
26

A popular bifacial drum of

Carnatic music, made of
Jackwood. A cylindrical body
tapered at both the ends.
Layered parchments, fastened
to leather hoops and kept
intact and tight by leather
braces, at times small pieces of
wood are also put in between
these braces to facilitate the
tuning. Black paste loaded on
right face in layers. Very fine
flour dough applied on the left
face before the performance
and taken out immediately
afterwards. Used as an
accompaniment in South Indian
Classical music.

Mugarban, Gujarat

MUGARBAN::
Membranophone

NAGA DRUM::
Membranophone

GUJARAT

NAGALAND

A huge barrel, mounted

vertically on a square, fourlegged iron frame. The
opening at the top is covered
with cow-hide. Bracing of the
drum head is done by cotton
ropes through the holes. Entire
body is covered with
decorative cloth and peacock
feathers. Used by Siddi
community of Gujarat.

A fat bodied cylindrical drum. A

leather strap is woven around
the parched faces as hoops,
and interlacing them with the
help of holes. Suspended from
the shoulder or neck while
playing. Used for rhythmic
accompaniment in group dance
and music. Also used in
festivities.

MURARI SUMUI::
Aerophone
TRIPURA

Naagphani, Rajasthan

A tribal flute, made of bamboo,

seven finger holes and one
blowing hole both sides open.
Held with both hands and
blown through mouth hole.
Used in community dance and
music of West Tripura.
NAAGPHANI:: Aerophone

HIMACHAL PRADESH

A pair of two hemispherical

kettle drums of bronze. Faces
are covered with skin. Intricate
lacing through small holes at
the rim and tied to a ring at the
bottom. Played together either
in sitting or standing position.
Beaten with two sticks. Used in
group dance, social festivities
etc.

RAJASTHAN

NAGARA:: Membranophone

A bronze tube with serpentine

bents. Snake hood shaped bell
with a metal tongue inside,
painted with bright colours.
Used in religious and social
ceremonies as a part of the
procession.

BIHAR

NAAL:: Membranophone
ORISSA

Nagara, Bihar

NAGAR:: Membranophone

A barrel shaped clay body, with

red cloth pasted on entire
body. Skin covered faces,
braced with thick cotton rope,
through hoops. Left face
loaded from inside, black load
applied on right side. Played
with both hands. Used in folk
and traditional music of orissa.

A large, deep hemispherical

vessel, made of riveted iron
strips. Large opening covered
with buffalo hide and tied to
the edge by means of a leather
cord through holes and a hoop
at the bottom. Beaten with two
wooden sticks. Used in
Seraikella Chhau dance.
NAGARA:: Membranophone
HIMACHAL PRADESH

A pair of drums. Consist of two

hemispherical bowls of metal.
Thick parchment stretched by
leather straps. Both are of
unequal size, small one of high
pitch and large one of low
pitch. It is either placed on the
27

ground or slung around the

waist. Played simultaneously by
sticks. Used in accompaniment
with Shehnai on festive
occasions.
NAGARA::
Membranophone
MADHYA PRADESH

Unifacial vessel, made of

pieces of iron strips joined
together, covered with hide.
Played by two thick wooden
sticks. Used by Ho tribes of
Madhya Pradesh.
NAGARU::
Membranophone
GUJARAT

Hemispherical burnt clay body

with the skin covered face.
Tightened by leather strap
through a small hoop. Played
with two sticks. Used in
processions, temple services.
Also in folk music and dance
sequences.
NAGASWARAM::
Aerophone
TAMILNADU

A premier wind pipe of carnatic

music, accorded high status as
a Mangala Vadyam since time
immemorial. This double
reeded instrument, made of
wood has two parts; conical
tube and a metal bell. Tube
enlarging downwards with a
horn like portion at the end,
fitted with a metal bell. Seven
finger and five vent holes. The
double reed called aku (in
Telugu) acts as valve, fixed to a
metal staple and inserted in the
tube. Spare reeds with wooden
needle for adjusting the reed is
kept with the instrument
28

hanging from the staple. The

accompanying percussion
instrument is Tavil.
Occasionally Talam, the large
cymbals are also played with
the Nagaswaram.
The instrument is closely
identified with temples and
other religions events. The
instrumental ensemble, with
nagaswaram being the
principal instrument, is called
Periamelam. Used on
auspicious and religious
occasions as also in classical
concerts.
NAGPHANI::
Aerophone
GUJARAT

A cylindrical bronze tube with

serpentine bents and serpent
hood shaped bell attached to
it. An open mouth hole. Used
in ritualistic social ceremonies
and festivities.
NAL::
Membranophone
GUJARAT

Bifacial, cylindrical wooden

body, with skin covered heads.
Braced with cotton rope
through hoops. Left face
loaded with black paste in
layers. Played with both hands.
Used in traditional and folk
music.
NARH::
Aerophone
RAJASTHAN

A tube made of Kangore wood.

Four finger holes. Blown from
the upper end, holes are
manipulated by fingers. Used
by shepherd community of
Rajasthan.

Nagaswaram, Tamilnadu

NARSINGHA::
Aerophone

NOOT::
Idiophone

BIHAR

KASHMIR

S shaped trumpet made of

copper. Blown through the
mouth piece. Used by Oraon
tribe of Bihar.

A pitcher made of baked clay.

The upper half is lacquer
painted depicting folk motifs.
While playing, placed on lap or
on the ground, on a small ring
and played with fingers of both
hands. Used for rhythmic
accompaniment alongwith
Rabab and Saitar in Sufiana
Qalam and other devotional
and traditional musical forms
of Kashmir.

NARSINGHA::
Aerophone
HIMACHAL PRADESH

A three bent copper tube with a

wide funnel shaped opening
and an integrated mouthpiece
at the blowing end. Shaped like
S. Five raised metal rings
surround the tube. Used in
social ceremonies, folk music
and dance.
NIBROK PALITH::
Aerophone
SIKKIM

A pair of about one and a half

feet long flutes tied together
with the help of bamboo strips
and wax. Both tubes have six
holes, and one side hole.
Blown simultaneously. Used on
the occasion of wedding in
Sikkim and neighbouring
region.

NOUBAT::
Membranophone
GUJARAT

A pair of unifacial vessels

made of riveting iron sheet.
Faces covered with hide and
tied with leather hoops and
leather strap bracing. Left drum
loaded with paste from inside.
Played together with two sticks.
Used in processions, at the
time of festivals or religious
occasions.
OTTU::
Aerophone
TAMILNADU

NISHAN::
Membranophone
ORISSA

Vessel shaped body made of

riveted iron sheet. Open face
covered with thick hide,
stretched and tightened by
leather strap. Two antelope
horns are tied on either side.
Beaten with two thick leather
straps. Used by tribals of
Orissa and Bastar area of
Madhya Pradesh.

A wooden tube of conical

bore, enlarges downwards with
five or six holes at the farthest
end, which are wholly or
partially closed with wax. A
double beating reed fixed to a
metal staple inserted in the
tube at blowing end. A metal
bell attached to the tube. The
instrument is used for
providing drone; the basic note
to the Nagaswaram. Also used
in folk, traditional and religious
music.

29

PABUJI-KE-MATE::
Membranophone
RAJASTHAN

A pair of fat bellied huge sized

pitchers with short neck and
wide opening made of baked
clay. Skin is stretched and fixed
over the opening by piercing
thin wooden pieces through
the edge of the parchment all
around the neck. Used by the
Thori and Nayak community
of western Rajasthan, while
narrating life of Pabuji, a local
hero.
PAKHAWAJ::
Membranophone
NORTH INDIA

One of the major percussion

instruments of North Indian
classical music. A bifacial
cylindrical drum hollowed out
of a block of wood. Skin,
covering the faces are fastened
to the leather hoops by leather
straps. Right face is loaded with
black paste. Fine wheat flour
dough is applied on left face
before the performance and
taken out immediately after
that. Played with fingers and
palms of both hands. Used in
North Indian classical concerts
particularly with Dhrupad and
Dhamar style of music and
with the instruments played in
Dhrupad style such as Been,
Rabab, Surbahar etc. Also a
solo instrument.
PALITH KING::
Aerophone

vertically with both hands and

blown through the
embouchure. Used by
cowherds.
PAMBA::
Membranophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

A pair of cylindrical drums of

brass, with parchment covered
faces. Braced with cotton ropes
with the help of wider iron
hoops. Slung from the waist,
and beaten with wooden sticks.
Used in folk concerts and
religious ceremonies in Andhra
Pradesh.
PANTHONG-PALIT::
Aerophone
SIKKIM

A horizontal flute, about one

metre long, made of bamboo.
Closed at the blowing end.
Blowing hole at a few
centimetres down from the
closed end. Four finger holes.
Used in folk and traditional
musical forms. Specially on the
occasion of wedding.
PENA:: Chordophone
MANIPUR

A bowed instrument with

parched coconut shell belly,
Lathe finished wooden finger
board and single horse hair
string. Played with a horse hair
bow with an arched iron rod
with jingle bells and bamboo
handle. Used in traditional
music and dance forms.

SIKKIM

PENDRE:: Aerophone

A straight flute, having six

finger holes. A fipple hole
situated a few centimetres
down the blowing hole. Held

BIHAR

30

Pabuji-Ke-Mate, Rajasthan

A wooden pipe with six finger

holes, double beating reed and
a metallic bell on the other

Pena, Manipur

end. Blown through the reed.

used by Oraon community of
Bihar.
PEPA:: Aerophone
ASSAM

Pepa, Assam

Two buffalo horns tied together

with two reed pipes at
narrower end with four finger
holes. Blown through the reed.
Also called Jodia Pepa.
Popular folk instrument.
Particularly used during Bihu
festival in Assam.
POHL:: Membranophone
HIMACHAL PRADESH

An hour glass shaped drum

made of brass with elongated
waist. Both faces covered by
skin and tightened by cotton
cord. A separate cord tied at
the centre to increase tension
on the skins. Suspended
diagonally in front and beaten
by both hands. It is used in folk
songs of Himachal Pradesh.
Pohl, Himachal Pradesh

POPATIK:: Idiophone
SIKKIM

An about one feet long clapper,

made of bamboo tube.
Bamboo is sliced off vertically
from the centre keeping the
other end intact. While playing,
held in one hand and the two
sliced off arms are struck
rhythmically, by another hand.
Used in group dances of
Sikkim.
POT DRUM::
Membranophone
MADHYA PRADESH

Pullavan Kudam, Kerala

A pitcher shaped bifacial drum,

made of baked clay. Sliced off
from both the sides. Faces
covered with parchments.

Tightened by leather straps

directly through the holes.
Suspended from the neck or
occasionally placed on ground.
Played with two sticks, used in
singing and dancing.
PREMTAL:: Chordophone
UTTAR PRADESH

Primarily a rhythmic
monochord string made of gut
brought to tension by pulling
and releasing the stick held in
the left hand and the gourd
resonator with parchment
nailed on one side held under
the left arm. While pulling, the
string is simultaneously
plucked by finger or wooden
plectrum rhythmically. Used by
balladeers, mendicants and
snake charmers in and around
Uttar Pradesh.
PUJARI-KAICHLAMBU::
Idiophone
TAMILNADU

A pair of ecliptical hollow

metal rings, with a number of
solid pallets filled inside. Both
the units are inserted in both
hands fingers and moved in a
unique manner. Associated
with Holi festival and in other
auspicious occasions.
PULLAVAN KUDAM::
Chordophone
KERALA

A plucked instrument mainly

used for providing rhythm. A
string passes through the
parchment and is plucked with
wooden plectrum. Used as
percussion accompaniment by
the Pullavans of Malabar, a
tribe of snake worshippers.

31

PULLUVAN VEENA::
Chordophone
Skin covered circular wooden
resonator, wooden finger
board and a rectangular peg
box open on top, single fibre
string. Played with a bow. Used
by the Pullavan Community for
accompaniment to their songs
sung in praise of snake-deities.

beating reed, inserted through

calabash and fixed with wax.
Eight finger holes in front and
one thumb hole on the rear
side in right hand pipe. Centre
pipe has three holes. Whereas
left one attached with a long
metal tube. Held in both hands,
blown through the wide
opening. Used by snake
charmers.

PUMBA:: Membranophone

PUNGI:: Aerophone

KERALA

KERALA

UTTAR PRADESH

A bifacial brass cylindrical

body. Both faces covered with
skin which is stitched on iron
hoops, kept tight with the help
of cotton cords. Played with
two curved sticks. Used for
rhythmic accompaniment in
folk concerts and religious
processions.

A round gourd with extended

neck. Two bamboo pipes with
single beating reed inserted
through calabash and fixed
with wax. Seven finger holes
on the upper side and one
thumb hole on the rear side of
one pipe and two holes on the
other pipe. Blown through the
opening at the end of the neck.
Used by snake charmers.

PUNG:: Membranophone
MANIPUR

A hollow cylindrical drum of

soft wood, both faces are
covered with parchment, black
loading is pasted on both the
heads. The parchment is laced
by the leather straps. A cotton
belt is tied to the straps with
the help of brass ring. White
thin cloth is wrapped around
the body. Slung horizontally to
the neck and played with both
hands. It is used as an
accompaniment to
Natasankirtana and other
traditional forms of Manipur.
PUNGI:: Aerophone
MADHYA PRADESH

A large round gourd and an

extended neck, with sliced off
blowing hole at one end. Three
bamboo pipes with single
32

Pulluvan Veena, Kerala

Pung, Manipur

RABAB: Chordophone
JAMMU AND KASHMIR

A partially fretted plucked

instrument. Made out of a
single block of wood. Skin
covered resonator, having side
depressions; a long narrow
finger board with an arched
peg box. Six main playing
strings & gut and eleven
sympathetic steel strings
plucked with the help of
plectrum held in right hand.
Used in Chakkari, Sufiyana
Qalam and other folk forms of
Kashmir.

Rabab, Jammu and Kashmir

RAMSAGAR::
Chordophone
GUJARAT

Skin covered resonator made

of gourd attached to a long

Ramsagar, Gujarat

bamboo tube. A metal hook at

the base of resonator is
designed as a string holder.
Two steel strings tied to two
wooden pegs. Plucked
rhythmically with right hand
fore finger. Used as a drone
instrument by folk musicians.

RAN-HALGI::
Membranophone

RAVANHATHA::
Chordophone

MAHARASHTRA

RAJASTHAN

An iron circular frame drum.

One face covered with skin.
Beaten with palm and fingers
of right hand. Used for
percussion accompaniment
with community dances and
songs.

Resonator made of coconut

shell. A long bamboo finger
board is fixed to it. The main
playing string is made of horse
hair whereas another playing
string and 16 sympathetic
strings are made of steel.
Played with a bow, made of
curved wooden stick and horse
hair. Used for vocal
accompaniment by Bhopas of
Rajasthan in a traditional
narrative form called, PabujiKi-Phad.

RANSINGA:: Aerophone
GUJARAT

Also known as Kakad Singhi.

Made of two bent brass tubes
of conical bore. Funnel shaped
opening and integrated mouth
piece with a mouth rest. Held
in vertical position and blown.
Used in religious and social
ceremonies and folk music.

Rang-Thali, Tripura

GUJARAT

A shallow bowl of bronze

having raised edge. Hammer
marks on the body. Held in one
hand and struck at the centre
with a wooden stick. Used in
tribal dance and songs.

TRIPURA

Ravanhatha, Rajasthan

RAVANHATHA:
Chordophone
A bowed instrument with a
round wooden fingerboard,
penetrated through a halved
coconut shell, covered with
skin. Two steel strings tied to
the pegs on upper end. Played
with a curved bow of horse
hair. Used as an
accompaniment to folk songs
of Gujarat and neighbouring
regions.

RANG-THALI::
Idiophone

Ravanhatha, Gujarat

different shapes and sizes for

producing a variety of rhythmic
patterns.

Raunza, Andhra Pradesh

RAUNZA::
Membranophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

A bifacial drum, held vertically

away from body at a particular
angle. One drum-head is
beaten with two sticks of

ROBANA:: Chordophone
HIMACHAL PRADESH

Body made of single piece of

wood. Bowl shaped resonator
covered with skin, long neck
and a decorative peg box. Five
gut strings and one sympathetic
steel string. Plucked by right
hand with a bone plectrum.
Used by folk and traditional
singers of Himachal Pradesh.
33

RUDRA VEENA::
Chordophone

SAITAR:: Chordophone

NORTH INDIA

A fretted, plucked variety of

lute, with an elongated body. A
long finger board, a
rectangular peg box and a pear
shaped hollow resonator all
made of wood. The resonator
is covered with a wooden
plank. Seven gut frets fitted on
the long narrow finger board.
Contains seven steel strings.
Used in folk, traditional and
devotional music of Kashmir
like Sufiana Qalam and others.

A long tubular body made of

wood. Two large sized round,
resonators, made of fine
quality gourds placed under the
tube, at an equal distance from
centre. Four playing strings
one of steel and three of
copper tied to the hook on
lower end, stretched parallel to
the tube and go to the ornate
tuning pegs. Two drone strings
mounted on the bridges on
either side of the tube,
stretched and tied to their
respective pegs. Twenty four
brass fitted raised wooden
frets, fixed on the tube, with the
help of wax. The resonators
are richly decorated with
wooden floral carvings.
Carvings on the peg box as
well. The lower end of tube is
chiselled out like a bird and
serves as a base for the wide
flat ivory bridge. While playing,
one gourd rests on left
shoulder and other on right
thigh. Played with wire
plectrums worn on right hand
fingers. An instrument used in
Northern Indian classical
music.
SAGNA::
Membranophone
HIMACHAL PRADESH

A hollow barrel shaped frame

having large and wide drum
heads. Painted skin pasted at
the rim on both faces. Body
coloured with bright lacquer.
Beaten with a curved stick.
Used by Lamas in ritualistic
and monastic dances.

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Robana, Himachal Pradesh

SAMBAL:: Membranophone
MAHARASHTRA

A pair of kettle drums of

unequal size are tied together.
Larger one of brass, smaller
one of wood. Skin covers are
fixed with iron hoops. Bracing
done by cotton cords through
the holes and a large iron
hoop at the bottom. Played
with two bent headed sticks.
Drums suspended from the
waistline with a cord. Used in
folk and traditional music and
in other religious occasions at
the time of procession.

Rudra Veena, North India

SANANDA:: Chordophone
ASSAM

An integrated wooden body.

Short finger board, deep
resonator with its lower part
covered with skin. The scroll
has a carved peacock motif.
Open at the lower end. Three
playing strings made of cotton.
Bowed with a horse hair bow
by right hand whereas left hand
fingers stop the strings. Used

Saitar, Jammu and Kashmir

34

by folk and traditional singers

of Assam and neighbouring
regions for melodic support.

Chakkari, Sufiyana Qalam

and other folk forms of
Kashmir.

SANANTA:
Chordophone

SARANGA:
Chordophone

MANIPUR

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

A bowed instrument, scooped

out of a single log of wood. An
elongated arch-shaped
resonator covered partially
with snake skin, with five sound
hotels. A small finger board
with four steel strings. Played
with a horse hair bow. Used in
traditional music of Manipur.

A bowed instrument scooped

out of a single log of wood. Bipartitioned belly, covered with
skin. A thick finger board and a
square peg box. Three main
playing strings made of gut.
Played with a horse hair bow.
Used in traditional musical
ensembles in Jammu and
Kashmir.

SANTOOR::
Chordophone

SARANGA: Chordophone

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

A trapezoid wooden box, 120

steel strings, stretched on 30
wooden bridges in sets of four
on each bridge. Bridges are
arranged in a set of fifteen on
each side. Struck by bamboo
mallets. It is placed on a
triangular wooden stand while
playing. Used in traditional
music of Kashmir called
Sufiana Qalam. Has now
acquired an important place as
a classical music instrument.

A bowed instrument with a

rectangular body, made of
wood with parched resonator.
Contains three playing strings
one of twisted steel and two
made of gut, thirteen
sympathetic steel strings. While
playing, the instrument is kept
upright, resonator on lap and
stem against left shoulder of
the player. Played with a horse
hair bow. Used by Jogi and
haradi community of Jammu
and Kashmir.

SARAN:
Chordophone
JAMMU AND KASHMIR

A bowed instrument, scooped

out of a single log of wood,
skin covered resonator, deeply
depressed on both sides.
Rectangular finger board
harrow at the upper end and a
square peg box. Two gut and
two steel strings. Ten
sympathetic steel strings played
with a horse hair bow. Used in

SARANGI (BANAM)::
Chordophone
BIHAR

Wooden body with peg box,

short finger board and a pear
shaped resonator. Lower
opening is covered with snake
skin. Two main strings of gut
and four sympathetic steel
strings. Played with a bow and
used in folk and traditional
music.

Santoor, Jammu and Kashmir

35

SARANGI::
Chordophone

SAROD::
Chordophone

NORTH INDIA

NORTH INDIA

A bowed instrument scooped

out of a single log of wood.
Three main playing strings of
gut, of varying thickness. Thirty
seven sympathetic steel strings.
Played with a bow made of
horse hair. Strings are stopped
not by finger tips but by the
base of the nails. Used as a
prominent accompaniment to
the vocalists in Northern Indian
Classical music, and also for
solo performance.

A popular plucked instrument

of North India. Entire body
carved out of a single block of
tun wood. A round resonator,
broad finger board and a
tapering, arched, peg box.
Resonator parched with a very
fine membrane of goat skin.
There are two sets of strings.
Upper set contains, four main
playing strings, four drone and
two chikari strings. Lower set is
of fifteen sympathetic strings.
All are attached to a metal
string holder underneath the
resonator, pass through the
bridge and finally fixed to their
respective pegs. The main ivory
bridge is placed on the
resonator. A small square
bridge mounted parallel to
upper nut, to support the drone
strings. Strings plucked by a
coconut shell plectrum held in
right hand. A portion of left
hand finger tips and a portion
of nail, are used to stop the
strings over the polished finger
board. Used in North Indian
classical music for solo
concerts.

SARINDA::
Chordophone
TRIPURA

Three stringed bowed

instrument. An integrated
wooden body with peg box,
short finger board and a pear
shaped resonator partly
covered with skin pasted on the
lower end, having flat frontal
face. The scroll has a wooden
carved bird. Used by the tribals
of Tripura.
SARINDA:
Chordophone
ASSAM

A bowed instrument with three

main playing steel strings.
Hollowed out of a single block
of wood; one third of the
resonator is covered with
parchment fixed with wooden
mails; Played with a horse hair
bow; Used for accompaniment
in Assamese songs.

36

Sarod, North India

SATSANG:: Chordophone
SIKKIM

A bowed instrument, made of

single block of wood. Short
finger board, rectangular peg
box and parchment pasted
resonator. Four steel strings
tied to the string holder at
resonators end and connected
to the pegs on upper side.
Played with horse hair bow.
Used in music and dance of
Sikkim.

Sarinda, Tripura

SAZ-E-KASHMIR:
Chordophone

Used by Lamas in ritualistic &

monastic dances.

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

A bowed instrument decorated

with ivory work. Round
resonator of soft wood
covered with skin. Lathe
finished cylindrical finger
board. Three main gut strings
and fourteen sympathetic steel
strings. Played with a bow.
Used in traditional forms of
Jammu and Kashmir.
SENMU::
Idiophone
MANIPUR

Sgna, Himachal Pradesh

Saz-E-Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir

A large bronze gong with

edges inverted inwards and a
small bulge at the centre.
Struck by a long padded
wooden stick on bulge. Used in
traditional folk dances of
Manipur.
SGNA:
Membranophone
HIMACHAL PRADESH

Shehnai, North India

A broad wooden frame with

parchment pasted on both
sides. With a long wooden
tapering handle. Decorated
with ritualistic motifs in
coloured lacquer. Beaten with
a curved stick called Yep.
Used by the Lamas in ritualistic
dances.
SGNA:
Membranophone
HIMACHAL PRADESH

A hollow barrel shaped frame

having large and wide drum
heads. Painted skin pasted at
the rim on both faces. Body
coloured with bright lacquer.
Beaten with a curved stick.

SHEHNAI::
Aerophone
NORTH INDIA

A premier wind pipe of North

India. A wooden tube narrow
near the blowing end and
gradually widening at the other
end, fitted with a metal bell,
also called pyala. Contains
seven finger holes. Blown
through the double reed, which
is a vital part of the instrument.
Constantly provided with a
drone by a similar looking
instrument, without any holes.
The percussion accompanying
instrument is Naqqara or
Dukkad. Considered an
auspicious instrument and
played in social and religious
ceremonies. Also a Northern
Indian concert instrument.
SHENG KHENG::
Idiophone
MANIPUR

An instrument consisting of two

saucer-shaped disks made of
highly refined bronze. The
disks are evenly depressed.
Long colourful woollen cords
are attached on the outer
(concave) side of the disks to
hold them. The disks are
frontally clapped together to
produce a long and sustained
humming note. Used in
Manipuri dances.
SINDHI SARANGI::
Chordophone
RAJASTHAN

A bowed instrument.
Resonator, finger board and

Sheng Kheng, Manipur

37

peg box carved out of a single

block of wood. A parched
resonator with a semi-circular
sound hole. Four playing gut
strings and twenty-two
sympathetic steel strings. Bow
held in right hand while the
strings are stopped by left hand
finger nails. Used by the
Langa Community of west
Rajasthan as an
accompaniment to their songs.
SINGA::
Aerophone
ORISSA

A buffalo horn with bamboo

mouthpiece. Held with both
hands and blown through a
bamboo mouth piece. Used by
mendicants.
SIPHUNG::
Aerophone
ASSAM

A bamboo tube having one end

closed by its natural node.
One blowing and five finger
holes. Used as melodic
accompaniment in Bodo
music and group dance.
SITAR::
Chordophone
NORTH INDIA

A premier plucked lute of

North Indian classical music. It
can be divided into two parts, a
gourd resonator covered with
a thin wooden plank and a
long neck cum finger board
with a rectangular peg box at
the top. Made of high quality
Toon wood, the finger board
is attached with the gourd.
There are five main playing
strings and two Chikari strings
of steel and brass, of different
38

gauge, tied to a string holder

with ivory teeth fixed at the
extreme end of the gourd. The
other end of the strings are tied
to the tuning pegs at the
opposite end. Nineteen
metallic ecliptic frets are tied
on the finger board, with the
help of silk thread. Frets are
movable and can be adjusted
according to the requirement.
The main bridge mounted on
the sound board called Tabli,
upon which main playing
strings rest the secondary
bridge or upper nuts is just
below the peg box. Thirteen
sympathetic steel strings run
over a small bridge under the
main bridge. Decorated with
delicate wooden carving over
the gourd. Played in a sitting
position. The main strings and
Chikari are plucked by wearing
a wire plectrum in the fore
finger of right hand. The tip of
the left hand fingers are used
to stop or pull the strings for
producing melody. Used in
classical concerts all over
North India as a solo
instrument.

Sitar, North India

SODU BURRA::
Chordophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

A slashed off gourd covered

with wooden circular plank,
fixed at the centre under a
bamboo tube. A single steel
string is fixed to the wooden
attachment at one end and a
single peg at other end.
Plucked by bare finger. Used by
soothsayers of Maharashtra
and neighbouring regions as a
drone instrument.
Sri-Mandal, Rajasthan

SRI-MANDAL
RAJASTHAN

Round shaped metallic plates

of different sizes hung on a
steel frame with the help of
cotton cords, when struck
produce a variety of sounds,
sometimes tuned to the notes
of the octave. Mostly used in
temples and other ceremonies.
Also taken out in processions.
Surnai, Himachal Pradesh

SURBAHAR::
Chordophone
NORTH INDIA

Surbahar, North India

Sursingar, North India

A plucked fretted instrument, of

lute category. Has a beautifully
carved peg box and a wide and
shallow roundish resonator
made of a half cut gourd and
covered with a wooden plank.
A long wide finger board has
nineteen frets tied upon it with
silk thread. Four main steel
strings and three drone strings,
attached with ivory pins at the
lower end stretched over the
finger board and tied to the
respective pegs on the peg box
on the other side. Eleven steel
sympathetic strings rest on a
small bridge and tied to the
respective smaller pegs fitted
on the side wall of the finger
board. Widely used by the
classical musicians in North
Indian Classical music concerts
as solo instrument.

in auspicious, social and

religious ceremonies.
SURSINGAR:
Chordophone
NORTH INDIA

A plucked instrument. Sound

box and finger board scooped
out of a single log of wood.
Peg box carved out into a bird
motif. A broad flat bridge made
of ivory, upon which six main
strings and two drone strings
rest. Sound box covered by a
thin wooden plank.
Electroplated metal sheet
placed on the broad finger
board. An additional gourd
resonator. Played with the help
of a plectrum. Used by the
North Indian Classical
musicians as a concert
instrument for solo
performance.
SURYA PIRAI::
Membranophone
TAMILNADU

A circular iron rim is attached

to a bent iron strip by a small
iron rod. One side is covered
with skin. Bent part is tied on
the forehead of the player and
played with two sticks, along
with its pair called Chandra
Pirai. Used in temples of South
India mainly in Mariamman
temple.

SURNAI::
Aerophone

SWARMANDAL::
Chordophone

HIMACHAL PRADESH

NORTH INDIA

A wooden tube having straight

bore and funnel shaped bell.
Seven finger holes and one
thumb hole. A metal nozzle
with double beating reed. Used

A shallow wooden box with

twenty five strings tied to string
holding posts and tuning pins.
Beads are inserted into the
strings for fine tuning. Strings

39

are strummed by right hand

fingers. Used for
accompaniment in North
Indian vocal music concerts. An
open string of harp category.
TABLA::
Membranophone
NORTH INDIA

The most popular percussion

instrument of North Indian
classical music. Consists of
two drums - the bayan or the
left made of plated copper and
the dayan or the right made of
wood. The left is a small
spherical drum resembling the
shape of the kettle drum. It is
almost the same height as the
right but has a much wider
playing surface and a smaller
bottom compared to the right.
The playing surface of both the
drums is made of goat skin,
stretched across the top. A
narrow membrane on the
periphery on top of the full
membrane is called Kinara or
Chanti. The parchment called
pudi or chhavani is tied to a
plaited strip called gajra made
of four of five leather braces.
Gajra is fixed to the mouth of
the drum by means of leather
braces called baddhi, which is
tied to another ring at the
bottom of the instrument.
There are sixteen holes or
ghar to which the braces are
tied at equal distance. In right
drum there are eight tuning
blocks or gatta which are
moved up or down to vary the
tension of the pudi. A black
paste loaded in layers on the
parchment, called syahi. An
important rhythmic
accompaniment to solo and
instrumental music ensembles
40

as well as a solo performance

instrument.
TAL:: Idiophone
MAHARASHTRA

A pair of cymbals made of

bronze. These heavy and thick
conical plates are attached with
cotton cord and clapped facing
each other. Used by Warkari
community of Maharashtra as
an important accompaniment
to their devotional songs.

Swarmandal, North India

TAMBOORA::
Chordophone
SOUTH INDIA

A premier drone instrument of

carnatic music. The entire body
including resonator, long neck
and peg box is made out of a
single block of wood,
preferably jackwood. Hollow
from inside. A thin wooden
plank is pasted and nailed on
the resonator. Four main
strings, three of steel and one
of coiled copper, rest on a
wooden bridge, stretched
parallel to the entire finger
board and tied to their
respective pegs at the top.
Small beads are inserted
through each string for finetuning. Plucked continuously by
right hand fingers placing it
vertically on the lap or on the
ground. A counterpart of
Tanpura of North India.

Tabla, North India

TAMBOORI::
Chordophone
KARNATAKA

An instrument made of wood in

three parts i.e. resonator,
finger board and an elaborate
peg box. Contains four steel
strings. Beautifully decorated

Tamboori, Karnataka

with a wooden serpent motif

on the top. Suspended from the
shoulder. Plucked and
strummed by right hand fingers.
Used as drone instrument by
the devotional singers and
mendicants of Karnataka.
TAMUKKU::
Membranophone

having reed of locally available

grass. The narrower end of
reed is fitted into a small thin
metal staple and inserted into
main wooden tube. Held with
both hands and blown through
the reed. Used in religious
dance called Ka Shad Nong
Krem among Khasis of Jaintia
hills and neighbouring regions.

TAMILNADU

A bowl of bronze, covered with

skin, tied with cotton cord with
the help of a hoop at the base.
Small sound hole at the
bottom. Slung around the neck
and struck by two leather
straps. Used in for public
announcements. Also in folk
music and dance.
TANDURA::
Chordophone
RAJASTHAN

Almost shaped like a North

Indian Tanpura. Whole body
made of light wood. Round
resonator and long finger
board (Dandi), both are
covered with thin wooden
plank. Five metal strings are
tied with hook at the bottom
and connected to the pegs at
the upper end. The resonator
and fingerboard are beautifully
decorated with floral designs.
A drone instrument used in
devotional and traditional
singing in Rajasthan.
TANGMURI::
Aerophone
MEGHALAYA

Tarpu, Gujarat

The instrument is made in three

parts: wooden tube having
seven holes, a cone shaped
bell made of single piece of
wood and a mouth piece

TANPURA::
Chordophone
NORTH INDIA

The principal drone instrument

of North Indian classical music.
Resonator made of gourd,
joined to a long wooden finger
board (Dand) and covered with
light wooden plank, called
Tabli, on which the main bridge
is mounted. Four strings, three
of steel and one of brass, tied
to the string holder on the base
of the resonator, stretched over
the finger board and finally go
to the respective pegs. Four
beads are inserted in the
strings for finer tuning. One
secondary bridge and a string
holder placed just before the
peg box. Decorated on the face
of the tabli and rear side of the
resonator with fine inlay work.
Held upright, placing resonator
on the ground or on lap. The
strings are plucked
continuously with index and
middle fingers of right hand,
throughout the performance,
providing basic sruti or svara
to the performer.
TAPPETA GULLU::
Idiophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

Conical body, flat bottom, big

sound hole at centre, made of
41

tin. Wide face covered with tin

sheet. While playing, the
instrument is tied at the
waistline and face is beaten
with the hands to the rhythm of
the dance. Used by Tribals of
Andhra Pradesh.
TARPU:: Aerophone
GUJARAT

An elongated full length gourd

fitted with two equal length
bamboo reed pipes with a
megaphone attached at the
open end. Single beating reed.
Blown through the mouth
piece. Finger holes, three on
each pipe are manipulated by
both the hands. Used in group
dance and folk ensembles in
Gujarat and neighbouring
regions.
TASA::
Membranophone
ORISSA

Skin covered shallow clay

vessel. While playing, it is
suspended from the neck or
placed on the ground. Beaten
with two sticks. Used in folk
and traditional music and Paik
dances of Orissa.
TASE::
Membranophone
KARNATAKA

Shallow bronze bowl, with face

covered with parchment, slung
from the neck and played with
two thin wooden sticks with
cloth wrapped around them.
Used in folk ensembles,
processions and auspicious
ceremonies for rhythmic
accompaniment.

42

TASHA::
Membranophone
JAMMU AND KASHMIR

A shallow clay vessel. The wide

opening in covered with skin,
tightened by leather tapes,
through a hoop underneath.
While playing, suspended from
the neck, beaten with two
sticks. Used in folk and
traditional music and dance.
Sequences of Jammu and
Kashmir.
TASHA::
Membranophone

Taus, North India

NORTH INDIA

A shallow metallic bowl with a

parched face. Used as a
secondary drum in ensembles
paired with a larger drum. The
pair, jointly called Naqqara,
forms a vital part of Naubat.
TAUS:
Chordophone
NORTH INDIA

A peacock shaped bowed

instrument, made of rose
wood. Wooden resonator and
shaft made separately and later
joined together. One bridge,
over which four main playing
strings pass and pass through;
twenty five sympathetic strings
nineteen metallic frets. Played
with a bow made of horse hair,
by right hand, while the left
hand fingers stop the strings on
frets. Used by classical
musicians of Northern India.
Also used in Gurubani.
TEEHKI:: Idiophone
MADHYA PRADESH

Three pieces of wood one long

plate and two round small
pieces strung together in a U

Tase, Karnataka

shaped iron ring. Struck face to

face in continuous succession,
by the hands up and down
rhythmic movement. A tribal
instrument.
TENKAYA BURRA::
Chordophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

Skin covered halved coconut

shell resonator. A long round
bamboo inserted into the shell.
Two steel strings: A small
wooden bridge and secondary
bridge (Upper nut). Played with
a bow. Used by mendicants,
and folk singers of Andhra
Pradesh.
THALI::
Idiophone
GUJARAT

A thin circular plate of bell

metal with raised edges.
Suspended in one hand by
attached cord and struck with a
wooden stick. Used in folk and
traditional music.
THANTHI PANAI::
Chordophone
TAMILNADU

Thappu, Kerala

A pitcher of baked clay with

skin covered opening. A steel
string passed through the
centre of the skin and taken out
through the hole at the bottom
and tied to a peg on a bird
shaped wooden peg holder.
Placed on the lap, the head is
struck by left hand while right
hand fingers pluck the string. A
composite instrument. Used by
hill tribes and Mallas of
Tamilnadu.

THANTHONA::
Chordophone
TAMILNADU

A lathe finished wooden stick is

attached with a wooden
resonator with skin covered
base. Two steel strings tied to
two parallel pegs, plucked
simultaneously by index finger.
Used by folk and traditional
singers for drone and rhythmic
accompaniment.
THAPPU:: Membranophone
KERALA

A circular iron frame drum.

One side covered with skin
and braced by jute cord
through a hoop. Painted with
green, yellow paint. While
playing, the instrument is
suspended from the neck and
beaten by sticks. Used during
festivals and religious
ceremonies in Kerala.
THAVIL:: Membranophone
KERALA

A large barrel-shaped bifacial

drum made of jack wood, both
openings covered by layered
skin and tied over the rim with
the help of bamboo hoops and
braces. Played by hand and
stick. The left face of the drum
is loaded with paste from
inside. Used in folk and
traditional music particularly in
the instrumental ensemble
called Periya Melam, in the
accompaniment to
Nagaswaram, a double reed
wind instrument.
THIMILA:: Membranophone
KERALA

Thimila, Kerala

An hour glass shaped wooden

shell covered with skin.
43

Suspended from the waist.

Upper side beaten by both
hands. One of the
Panchavadyam instruments.
THISKI::
Idiophone
MADHYA PRADESH

stretched over the opening,

directly laced through a hoop
at the bottom. Played with two
sticks. Used in tribal dance and
music.
TIPPANI::
Idiophone

Two wooden bars, attached

with U shaped thick wire
diagonally. While playing it is
held by the wire and moved in
an up and down rhythmic
action. The two wooden bars
clapped together. A clapper
used by south eastern tribes of
Madhya Pradesh.

GUJARAT

THUN CHEN:: Aerophone

BIHAR

LADDAKH

A thick walled cylindrical tube

with one end closed by natural
bamboo knot. Six finger holes
and a blowing hole. Used by
Santhal tribes, also used by
shepherds.

A long brass trumpet, with wide

bell shaped opening.
Decorated with ornamental
rings at intervals. A small disc
shaped mouth rest with
blowing hole. Used by Lamas.
Usually played in pair.
TIKARA::
Membranophone
ORISSA

Two medium sized roundish

earthen bowls, covered with
hide, put in such a manner that
the covers are much higher
than the opening. Left unit has
a black paste loaded from
inside. While playing the
instrument is placed on the
ground and beaten with two
wooden sticks. Used in folk
and traditional music of
Orissa.
TIMKI:: Membranophone
MADHYA PRADESH

Two medium sized baked

earthen vessels. Parchment
44

A pair of bamboo sticks, flat

wooden blocks attached at the
bottom. Used in Tippani
dance by tapping them on the
floor to the rhythmic beat of
dance.
TIRHIO::
Aerophone

TIRIHO::
Aerophone
BIHAR

A bamboo tube with one end

open and other closed by
node. One blowing and six
finger holes. Held transverse
and blown through the hole.
Used by shepherds and also by
Santhal tribes of Bihar and
neighbouring regions.

Thiski, Madhya Pradesh

TIRUCHINNAM::
Aerophone
TAMILNADU

A pair of thin brass trumpets

with funnel shaped openings
and integrated mouth piece.
Used in temple festivities and
on the occasion of holi. Also in
traditional music.
Thun Chen, Laddakh

TOK-DU-TRENG::
Chordophone
TRIPURA

A drone cum rhythmic

accompaniment. A struck
instrument made of bamboo. A
coconut with slashed off
mouth, loosely attached to the
lower end. Two strings pierced
through the coconut stretched
parallel and finally tied to the
upper end by the pegs. Struck
by a long piece of thick wood.
A tribal instrument of West
Tripura.
TOKKA:: Idiophone
ASSAM

Tuila, Orissa

A bamboo is cut in a manner

keeping knots at both the ends.
One side is split into half
keeping the other end intact.
Thus a spring like action at the
split arms is initiated. When
played both the arms of the
bamboo are struck together.
Essentially a rhythm instrument.
TOOTI:: Aerophone
JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Cylindrical wooden tube and

integrated wooden bell
covered with metal strip
conical bore. Seven finger
holes. Two additional holes.
Palm leaf made double beating
reed. Blown through the reed.
Used in folk theatre and on
religious and ceremonial
occasions.

tied to a peg at upper end,

rhythmically plucked with bare
index finger. A group of four or
five jingle bells also tied with
bamboo. Used by Jhadia
Payars community of Andhra
Pradesh for accompaniment.
TUILA: Chordophone
ORISSA

A half sliced gourd resonator

tied loosely with a bamboo
stick. A cotton cord (string)
attached to one end of the stick
and tied through the other end.
While playing, the gourd is
placed against the chest and
the string is plucked by right
hand. A rare instrument used
by Bhumija community of
Orissa for vocal
accompaniment.
TUMBI:: Chordophone
PUNJAB

A small instrument resembling

an Ektara. A tiny resonator
covered with parchment. About
two feet long wooden stick is
pierced in to the resonator. A
single string is tied to the lower
extended part of the stick at the
base of the resonator and
wound around the peg at the
upper end of the stick. It is held
with one hand and plucked by
the same hands finger. Used in
devotional music.
TUMKI:: Membranophone
ORISSA

TOYILA:: Chordophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

A drone instrument with

medium sized gourd covered
with skin and attached with a
bamboo. A single steel string,

A clay bowl. Skin covered face

tightened with the help of
leather straps. Slung from the
neck, beaten with wooden
sticks. Used in Dalkhai dance.

Tumbi, Punjab
45

TUNGBANK::
Chordophone
SIKKIM

A plucked instrument. The long

finger board and the deep
round resonator made of a
single piece of soft wood.
Resonator is covered with
parchment. Three strings, tied
to a hook on one end and
connected to the pegs on
another end. Played with
wooden plectrum. Used as an
accompaniment to music and
dance of Sikkim.
TUNGDARBONG::
Membranophone
SIKKIM

A small bifacial cylindrical

shaped drum, made of locally
available soft wood. Both faces
are covered with goat skin and
laced with leather strips. Slung
with the neck and played by
both hands. Used in tantrik
rituals of Sikkim.
TUNTUNE::
Chordophone
MAHARASHTRA

Cylindrical metal resonator

with an open top and base
covered with skin attached to
the lower end of a bamboo
shaft. Only one steel string
which passes through the skin
and tied to the peg and the
upper end of the bamboo shaft.
Held in one hand and plucked
by index finger. Used by
mendicants and village bards.
TURHI:: Aerophone
ORISSA

Three separate tubular parts of

brass inserted into each other.
Mouthpiece at extreme end,
46

held in both hands and blown.

Used in temple music, also in
traditional dances.
TURHI:: Aerophone
RAJASTHAN

A long trumpet of bronze,

made in two parts and with a
funnel shaped opening. An
elongated mouthpiece. Used in
temple services, processions
etc.
UDUKAI:: Membranophone
TAMILNADU

An hour glass shaped wooden

drum with hooped membrane
covers. A cotton tape is wound
around the middle portion.
Held in left hand and beaten by
other. Used in Villuppattu and
Naiyandi Melam
performances.
UDUKKAI::
Membranophone
TAMILNADU

An hour glass shaped drum of

bronze with hooped membrane
covers. An additional cord
wound around the waist. Held
in left hand and beaten by right
hand. Used in Villuppattu and
Naiyandi Melam
performances.

Veena, South India

VEENA:: Chordophone
SOUTH INDIA

A principal plucked instrument

of carnatic music of lute
category. Made of Jackwood.
Deep and round resonator, flat
faced finger board scooped out
from the same log of wood
and called Ek Dandi Veena.
The decorative peg box is
carved in the shape of snake
called Vyali. Four main metal

Vichitra Veena, North India

strings and three drone strings.

Two bridges one main and
one secondary. Twenty four
metal frets, fitted on the finger
board by means of wax. A
popular instrument of South
Indian classical music.
VENU:: Aerophone
GUJARAT

A colourfully painted, folk

instrument, made of long
bamboo tube. Has three
segments; two flutes and one
metal connector. Four finger
holes and a fipple hole on
each flute. Blown from the
embouchure. Used by
shepherds and cowherds of
Gujarat.
Vikotti Yazh, Tamilnadu

VENU:: Aerophone
GUJARAT

Yazh, South India

A pair of flipped flutes,

connected with cylindrical
metal connector. Four finger
holes and a fipple hole on
each flute. Both the flutes are
blown simultaneously through
a single blowing hole. Used by
cowherds of Gujarat. Painted
colourfully.

left hand. Used in North Indian

classical style of music. Also
called Batta Been.
VILKOTTI YAZH::
Chordophone
TAMILNADU

A replica of an old musical

instrument. A crescent shaped
hollow wooden body. Seven
wooden pegs at the tail in
which seven steel strings are
tied. As seen in ancient
sculptures perhaps, the
instrument was strummed by
fingers, probably for providing
melodic support.
VILLU:: Idiophone
KERALA

A bow shaped instrument made

from the blade of coconut
palm. A thin bamboo stick, acts
as the vibrating string, held
between the slits in the two
ends. While playing held in left
hand and struck by stick.
Associated with Onam
festival. Used in folk and
traditional music.
VILLU:: Idiophone
ANDHRA PRADESH

VICHITRA VEENA::
Chordophone
NORTH INDIA

Villu, Andhra Pradesh

A long wooden shaft rests on

two huge resonators, which
are made of gourd, of equal
diameter and height. Five main,
three drone and eleven
sympathetic strings. Three
bridges, one main, one
secondary and a small bridge
for sympathetic strings. Played
with plectrums worn on the
right hand fingers and stopped
by glass or stone piece, held in

A composite instrument of two

parts; A huge bow made of
wood with gut string attached
to both ends and a pitcher
made of baked clay. The bow is
covered with a red cloth. Six
small jingle bells are tied with
the cloth. The pitcher is
covered with a white cloth and
rests on a ring. While playing,
the bow is kept on the open
mouth of the pitcher, which acts
as a resonator and struck by
two heavy sticks made of
wood. Occasionally struck by
47

two light sticks fitted with two

little metal discs for jingling
sound. An instrument used in
narrative forms. A similar
instrument is used in Tamil
Nadu, also called Villu. Also
many other regional versions
are available of this instrument
with minor difference.
VINAKUNJU:: Chordophone
TAMILNADU

Pear shaped resonator covered

with skin, open from back. An
elongated finger board. Only
one string of fibre. Played with
a bow. Used by Pulluvans of
Malabar.
YAZH:: Chordophone
SOUTH INDIA

An arch-shaped harp. A replica

of the instrument found in
Amravati and Sanchi
Sculptures. An arched arm is
attached to a rectangular and
hollow sound box. Forty eight
strings are connected to
individual pins on the
underside of the sound box
and tied to the pegs on the
arch. Long wooden main
bridge on the sound box and a
diagonal secondary bridge at
the upper end. Under the main
strings, there are seven strings
attached to the pegs and fixed
to the supporting wooden
frame. This instrument was to
be placed in a vertical position
on the lap and played with the
fingers.

48