Government of IndiaNAGARA
Type: AVANADDHA VADYA
Nagara is a percussion instrument made of wood, iron, metal, and leather. This indigenous instrument is found in many parts of India including Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar. Majorly used by ‘Ho’ tribes of Madhya Pradesh. Also used in the ‘Seraikella’ Chhau dance of Bihar and as an accompaniment with ‘Shehnai’ on festive occasions.
NAGARA in Madhya Pradesh
Material: Iron, wood
Unifacial vessel, made of pieces of iron strips joined together, covered with hide. Played by two thick wooden sticks. Used by ‘Ho’ tribes of Madhya Pradesh.
NAGARA in Himachal Pradesh
Material: Metal, leather
A pair of drums. Consist of two hemispherical bowls of metal. Thick parchment stretched by leather straps. Both are of unequal size, a small one of high pitch and large one of low pitch. It is either placed on the ground or slung around the waist. Played simultaneously by sticks. Used in accompaniment with ‘Shehnai’ on festive occasions.
NAGARA in Bihar
Material: Iron, leather, wood
A large, deep hemispherical vessel, made of riveted iron strips. Large opening covered with buffalo hide and tied to the edge by means of a leather cord through holes and a hoop at the bottom. Beaten with two wooden sticks. Used in ‘Seraikella’ Chhau dance.
NAGARA in Kerala
Material: Wood, Metal
It is carried in a cart to lead some processions in Kerala. It is used to be played at the gates of Royal Palaces (Cochin Royal Palace at Triounithura) at dawn and sunset as a song of royalty.
NAGARA in Assam
Material: Wood
The Nagada are kettle drums of the old Naubat(the traditional ensemble of nine musical instruments), which are about one to two feet in diameter and played with sticks. Now-a-days, this traditional instrument usually accompanies the Shehnai in providing the rhythm.
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