MUSIC
Musical instruments
Percussion
Instruments
Chenda:
a cylindrical drum, in use in Kerala. Is used as an accompaniment
in Kathakali perfromances.
Damaru:
a cylindrical drum used by Lord Shiva - knotted strings are made to beat
on the membrane
Dholak:
similar to Pambai in Tamilnadu - membrane covered on both sides - played
with both hands
Ghatam (solid):
this is a solid instrument, made of clay. Metal filings are mixed
with clay. The artiste holds the pot to his belly while playing.
Kanjira:
has a round wooden frame, over which a piece of membrane is stretched.
There are coins or bells strung to slits which produces an additional pleasing
resonance
Khol:
similar to mridangam of the South is in use in Bengal
Mridangam:
known to be made of clay originally, is now made out of jackwood .
Shaped as a hollow cyliner, with one end of larger diameter than the other.
On the right side, a paste of cooked rice and iron oxide or manganese
is applied. Plays a major role in classcial conerts
Nagara:
has two pieces, the smaller one the female placed on the right and the
bigger one the male placed on the left. Used in the North for religious
ceremonies and as an accompaniment for dance (Chhau)
Pakhawaj:
is similar to mridangam of the South. It is used as an accompaniment
to classical music and dance (Odissi)
Pung:
is a drum and is used as an accompaniment in Manipuri dance form
Tabla: has
two pieces, denoting the male and female sides. Is used as an accompaniment
to vocal music
There are other
metallic instruments which are mostly used in temples or as accompaniment
to music and dance. Some of these are Manjira,
Tal, Jhanj, Temple bells, Gongs, Ghungroo
|
