Nagara (drum)

Nagara
Ghosha Nagara (top) with zurna and Qoltuq nagara
Other namesNaghara
Classification Percussion instrument
Playing range
Rope tensioned

The nagara or naghara is a drum used in India. There are several types of naghara, which is considered to be the lead instrument in mandir ceremonies and weddings. These are typically two drums, one treble and one bass and are played with sticks.

In Sikh traditions, the naghara is used as a large singular ceremonial drum in Gatka performances and was used historically in battle.

In Central Asia and the Middle East, the naghara is considered to be only one drum and differs in size and goes by various names such as "boyuk nagara" (big naghara), "cura nagara" (small naghara), "chiling naghara" (played with drum sticks), "Qoltuq nagara" (drum held under the arm), gosha naghara (Naqareh) and "el naghara" (hand naghara).[1][2]

Qoltuq nagara in Azerbaijan

'Nagada' (Indian Drum) is a percussion instrument used for its rhythmic sounds.[citation needed]. Nakara is a festival instrument mostly used in South Indian Hindu temples. The size may vary and this instrument may be kept near the entrance of the South Indian Hindu temples.[3]

  1. ^ "Atlas of traditional music of Azerbaijan". Atlas.musigi-dunya.az. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Uzeyir Hajibeyov". Archived from the original on 2016-10-11. Retrieved 2016-10-10.
  3. ^ Anthony C. Baines. The Oxford Companion to Musical Instruments. ed. 10, Oxford University Press, 1992. p.775