History And Use Of Nagada Musical Instrument
History
- Nagada or Nagra is a drum used in the Middle East. There are many types of nagaras, which are considered to be the main instruments in folk ceremonies and weddings.
- The nagara varies in size and is known by different names like “Boyuk nagara” (Big nagara), “Kura nagara” (Small nagara), “Chilling nagara” (played with drum sticks), “Koltuk nagara” ” (placed under the drum is the hand), gosha nghra (nakareh) and “el nghra” (hand nghra).
- Nagada 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.
Temple Instrument
- Nagada is still played in selected Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. The musical instruments of the temple are called Ketu or Jaliri or Jali Vadya.
- Most of the temple staff operate this instrument. It is learned that about 18 instruments (ashta dasa) were played at the time of regular worship, special occasions like consecration, temple fairs and festivals and at the time of processions i.e. car processions, float festivals and palanquin festival processions.
- These instruments were most popular during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Nagada (Indian drum) is one of them. This is the form of Murasu Yantra.
- In famous temples this pair of musical instruments is tied on the back of either a bull or an elephant and the animal is carried in procession before it. By banging the instrument people would know that the temple procession is following.
Drum Components
- Nagada (Indian pair of drums) is a skin-covered hand drum used in South Indian temple rituals and ceremonies. The lower part of the nagara is made of a half circular metal vessel. The metal components employed for the nagara would probably be either brass or copper.
- The instrument can use either goatskin or similar skin for the membrane. The membrane will be attached to the metal vessel with either cords or metal straps.
- The instrument will make a thunderous sound when struck with the help of special beaters or bent sticks. The purpose of drumming is to communicate with the public by beating rhythmic sound.
Use
- Nagada is mainly used by the ‘Ho’ tribes of Madhya Pradesh. The ‘Seraikela’ of Bihar is also used in the Chhau dance and as an accompaniment to the ‘Shehnai’ on festive occasions.
Material
- Iron, leather, wood
Nagada’s Question Answer –
In which state Nagada is played?
Nagada is played in many parts of India including Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar.
Of which metal is the drum made?
Nagada is a tabla instrument made of iron, leather, wood.
How to use Nagada?
Nagada is mainly used by the ‘Ho’ tribes of Madhya Pradesh. It is also used in Bihar’s ‘Seraikela’ Chhau dance and as an accompaniment to ‘Shehnai’ on festive occasions.
