Khanjira with Fishskin

The kanjira is a very old percussion instrument that is very popular in South Indian classical performances. At one time, this small tambourine was a primary percussion instrument.

Today it is a secondary percussion that is played with the mridangam. Our khanjira are made from a solid piece of local Egyptian wood, called Sarsouh with a Manta Ray fish-skin head and 1 brass cymbal set. The frame is about 7 inches in diameter and 3 inches in height. It comes in a nylon case.

The traditional Indian kanjira is made with lizard-skin. For conservation reasons, and increased accessibility, we offer this kanjira with the Manta Ray skin; a close substitution in sound and aesthetics.

If you are right handed, hold the kanjira in your left hand. The head is fixed, but you can vary the sound and pitch by applying pressure near the outer rim of the head with the left hand. Play as you would a deff or frame drum, by tapping and rolling with your fingers on the head and cymbal.