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KANJIRA
Type: AVANADDHA VADYA
Kanjira is a percussion instrument made of wood of jackfruit tree, lizard skin, goatskin, and metal. This folk instrument is found in various parts of South India. The word Kanjira comes from the Tamil words ‘kanja’ meaning skin and ‘Jiri’ meaning a small jingling anklet, giving it the meaning of skin with bells.
KANJIRA in South India
Material: Wood of jackfruit tree, Lizard Skin, Goat Skin, Metal
The word Kanjira comes from the Tamil words ‘kanja’ meaning skin and ‘jiri’ meaning a small jingling anklet, giving it the meaning of ‘skin with bells. A circular frame drum, around 7-8 inches in width and 2-4 inches in depth. One side is covered with a drumhead made of lizard skin/goat skin. The other side is left open with three-four small discs (jils) that produce a jingling sound when the instrument is played. Kanjira is played with the palm and fingers of the right hand, while the left hand supports the drum. The fingertips of the left hand can be used to bend the pitch by applying pressure near the outer rim. It is not tuned to any particular pitch and thus it has a very high pitched sound. To get a good bass sound, the tension of the drumhead is reduced by sprinkling water inside of the instrument. Also known as Ganjira and Khanjiri.
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