The kanjira, also called khanjira, khanjiri, or ganjira, is a South Indian frame drum that belongs to the tambourine family. It has been used in folk and bhajan music in the Indian subcontinent for many years.
The introduction of the kanjira into South Indian Carnatic music and the creation of its modern form are credited to Manpoondia Pillai. In the 1880s, Manpoondia Pillai was a temple lantern-bearer who wanted to learn drumming. He changed the kanjira into a frame drum with one pair of jingles and helped make the instrument part of classical music.
The kanjira is mainly used in Carnatic music concerts as a supporting instrument for the mridangam.
Construction
The Kanjira is similar to the Western tambourine. It has a round frame made from jackfruit tree wood, measuring between 7 and 9 inches in width and 2 to 4 inches in depth. One side of the frame is covered with a drumhead made from the skin of a Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis), which is now an endangered species in India. The other side remains open. Due to rules protecting endangered species, the use of lizard skin is banned worldwide. However, many skilled Kanjira players say that goat skin is a good alternative. Over time, goat skin becomes softer and allows for more varied sounds. The frame has a single slit that holds three to four small metal discs, often old coins, which make a jingling sound when the instrument is played.
Play
The kanjira is a South Indian drum that can be hard to play, especially in Carnatic music, because of the complex rhythmic patterns used in Indian music. It is usually played with the right hand, using the palm and fingers, while the left hand holds the drum. The left hand’s fingertips can change the sound by pressing near the edge of the drum. Unlike the mridangam or ghatam, the kanjira does not have a specific pitch.
Without tuning, the kanjira makes a very high-pitched sound. To create a deeper, bass-like sound, the performer loosens the drumhead by sprinkling water inside the instrument. This process may need to be repeated during a performance to keep the sound clear. However, if the instrument becomes too wet, it will produce a dull tone that takes 5–10 minutes to dry. The sound also depends on the temperature and humidity outside. To ensure at least one drum is always ready, performers often carry more than one kanjira.
With skill, the kanjira can create smooth, sliding sounds similar to those made on the Tabla.
Nepal
In Nepal, the Kanjira is known as Khaijadi (खैंजडी). The country has several types of tambourines, including the Daanf, Damphu (डम्फू), and Hring. The instrument is used during dances and chants at festivals.
An example is the Khanjadi bhajan (खैंजडी भजन), hymns sung by the Chhetri-Brahmin community. These hymns are commonly performed in the Kathmandu Valley and in many areas of the eastern hills. Most performers are from the local Brahmin community, but people of all castes attend as listeners. During the event, dancers perform in pairs while Chudka hymns are sung by both musicians and the audience. The event uses ancient Hindu religious texts. These hymns combine both verse and prose. The story begins with a prose section, followed by a lyrical song. To sing a hymn, individuals must study the religious texts thoroughly and be able to present them accurately. The singer's voice should be clear and able to attract the audience. Similarly, there should be singers who can skillfully play the Khanjadi instrument used in the hymns and know how to dance.
Players
- G. Harishankar
- V. Nagarajan
- C. P. Vyasa Vittala
- Bangalore Amrit
- B. Shree Sundarkumar
- V. Selvaganesh
- Swaminathan Selvaganesh
- A.S.N.Swamy
- B.S. Purushotham
- G. Guru Prasanna
- N. Ganesh Kumar
- S Sunil Kumar
- Nerkunam Sankar
- Anirudh Athreya
- Hariharasharma
- KV Gopalakrishnan
- Sunaad Anoor
- Kadirvel
- B.N. Chandramouli
- Kadanad Ananthakrishnan
- Ragesh V Ramakrishnan