Everything about The Kanjira totally explained
The
kanjira or
ganjira, a
South Indian
frame drum, is an instrument of the
tambourine family. It is used primarily in concerts of
Carnatic music (South Indian classical music) as a supporting instrument for the
mridangam. The
kanjira is a comparatively recent innovation (having been used for fewer than 100 years), and was added to classical concerts during the 1930s.
Similar to the Western
tambourine, it consists of a circular frame made of the wood of the
jackfruit tree, between 7 and 9 inches in diameter and 2 to 4 inches in depth. It is covered on one side with a
drumhead made of
monitor lizard skin (specifically the
Bengal monitor,
Varanus bengalensis, now an endangered species in
India), while the other side is left open. The frame has a single slit which contain three to four small metal discs--often old coins--that jingle when the
kanjira is played.
The
kanjira is probably the most difficult Indian drum to play for unexplained reasons. It is normally 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 isn't tuned to any particular
pitch, unlike the
mridangam or the
ghatam.
Normally, without tuning, it has a very high pitched sound. To get a good bass sound, the performer reduces the tension of the drumhead by sprinkling water on the inside of the instrument. This process may have to be repeated during a concert to maintain a good sound. However, if the instrument is too moist, it'll have a dead tone, requiring 5-10 minutes to dry. Tone is also affected by external temperature and moisture conditions. Performers typically carry a couple of
kanjiras so that they can keep at least one in perfectly tuned condition at any given time.
G Harishankar is widely considered to have been the greatest
kanjira artist ever to have played this instrument.
V. Selvaganesh (son of "Vikku" Vinayakram) is a modern exponent of the
kanjira who has played extensively with the guitarist
John McLaughlin in the group
Remember Shakti, as well as having recorded numerous albums with bassist
Jonas Hellborg.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Kanjira'.
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