The ganjira or kanjira (or south Indian frame drum) is an instrument of the tambourine family. It is mostly used in Carnatic music concerts (south Indian classical music) as a supporting instrument for the mridangam. The ganjira is a recent innovation (less 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 Jack fruit 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 (now an endangered species in India), while the other side is left open. The frame has a slit which contain 3 to 4 small metal discs that jingle when the ganjira is played.

The ganjira is probably the most difficult Indian drum to play. 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 is not 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 will 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 ganjiras so that they can keep at least one in perfectly tuned condition at any given time.

External links

• Ganjira artists in India
• Ganjira page at Drumdojo
• Ganjira page at Carnatica.net
• Ganjira page of artist Ganesh