KHANJEERA /DHAPLI WOODEN HAND DURM MUSIC INSTRUMENT

The Kanjira is a relatively difficult Indian drum to play, especially in South Indian Carnatic music, due in part to the complexity of the beat patterns used in Indian music.

It is usually played with the palm and fingers of the right hand while the left hand is supporting the drum. With the fingertips of the left hand, the pitch can be bent by pressing near the outer edge. In contrast to the mridangam or ghatam, it is not tuned to a specific pitch.

Usually it has a very high pitched sound without. 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 need to be repeated during a concert to maintain good sound. However, if the instrument is too damp it will have a dead tone and will take 5 to 10 minutes to dry.

The tone is also affected by the outside temperature and humidity conditions. The performers usually wear a couple of kanjiras so they can keep at least one in perfectly tuned condition at any given time.