The Kanjira is the smallest frame drum in the world. Despite its compactness, it is one of the most complex percussion instruments of all and enables incredible virtuosity. Kanjiras are approximately 7 to 7.5 inches in diameter.
Traditionally, this South Indian percussion instrument is covered with the fur of the monitor monitor lizard. In rural areas of the state of Tamil Nadu, there is a belief that the meat of the monitor monitor lizard is healing and gives strength. Since the monitor monitor lizard is now a protected species, lizard fur kanjiras are no longer available. At Percalada we only sell goatskin kanjiras.
The frame for a kanjira is made of jackfruit wood and is taken from the ends of the wood used for making mrdangams. Each kanjira has a pair of bells in its frame.
Anyone who wants to play Kanjira is faced with the challenge of having to play all the rhythms with just one hand and a total of three sounds. These are the challenges of kanjira. Apart from that, this percussion instrument allows great freedom.
Kanjiras are tuned with a few drops of water and never stay at a specific pitch for long. However, this makes it possible to play amazing glissandos and pitch bends, and the kanjira fits into any musical environment.
In the Carnatic musical tradition, the kanjira has its place as an accompanying instrument. Nevertheless, the mrdangam is always the primary percussion instrument in Carnatic music. Only musicians like Harishankar and Selvaganesh brought the kanjira out of the shadows and set new standards with their playing. The late master G. Harishankar displayed a unique level of technique, precision and beauty. V. Selvaganesh, the son of ghatam master Vikku Vinayakram, brought the kanjira to a world audience through his virtuoso work with John McLaughlin's group Shakti.
With just one kanjira it is possible to inspire an entire stadium. The bass is rich and round, the highs full of precise staccato slaps.
Playing Kanjira always means pioneering work, progress and revolution. We hope you enjoy practicing.
