Avanaddha Vadya, also known as Membranophones, are percussion instruments. Sound is produced by a stretched membrane of Animal skin across a metal or clay pot, wooden barrel, or frame to create these instruments. The animal skin extended throughout the body is struck, plucked or stroked to make the sound. A hollow vessel is covered with a membrane that generates beats when struck.

The Vedas include the oldest mention of such instruments. This article will examine some of the most crucial musical instruments for the UPSC IAS exam.

Also, check out the article on Tata Vadya here.

Avanaddha Vadya – UPSC Notes for Art and Culture: Download PDF here!

What is Avanaddha Vadya?

Avanaddha Vadya is also known as the "percussion instruments ensemble." It is a traditional musical ensemble from India. It consists of a diverse array of percussion instruments. They are played together to create rhythmic patterns and melodic accents. 

4 Types of Avanaddha Vadya Instruments

The main types of Avanaddha Vadya instruments are as follows: 

• Tabla
• Ankya
• Alingya
• Oordhwaka
• Damru

Tabla

• Two vertical Oordhwaka drums make up the Tabla set.
• The right side is known as the Tabla, while the left is known as the Bayan or Dagga.
• It comprises a wooden body with animal skin coverings that are kept together by leather straps.
• The tabla duo is used to accompany vocal and instrumental Hindustani music, as well as various northern Indian dance genres.
• The tabla is used to perform the intricate talas of Hindustani music with considerable skill.
• Ustad Alia Rakha Khan and his son Zakir Hussain, Shafat Ahmed, and Samata Prasad are just a few of the well-known musicians.
• Tuning the drums is done with oblong wooden blocks that are inserted between the straps and the wooden body.
• The tabla can be tuned precisely by striking the rims with a hammer, thanks to a syahi paste put in the center of the animal skin.
• The Bayan’s body is commonly made of copper but can also be constructed of clay or metal.
• Copper is the most common material. However, clay or wood can also be used.

Ankya

Source: Government of Jharkhand

• Ankya drums are carried horizontally in front of the musician and are usually wrapped in animal hide on both sides.
• Both sides are struck with sticks or fingers to make a sound.
• Mridangam, Pakhawaj, Khol, and other instruments are popular.
• The musician can play the instrument while sitting on the floor or while dancing or standing.
• Figures of men playing horizontal drums suspended from the neck have been discovered on seals from the Indus Civilization.

Alingya

• The animal hide is fastened to a wooden spherical frame and is gripped or held close to the body with one hand while playing the instrument with the other.
• Duff, Dufflies, and other similar characters are quite popular Alingyas.

Oordhwaka

• The Oordhwaka drums are positioned vertically in front of the performer. The instrument’s sound is created by striking it with fingers or sticks.
• Tabla pair and Chenda are two of the most popular types.

Damru

• Timila is hung from the shoulders and played with sticks and fingers, while Huddaka is struck with the hands.
• The hourglass kind of drum is named by its shape, which resembles an hourglass.
• The small Huddaka of Himachal Pradesh to the larger Timila of the southern region is among the instruments in this group.

Check out the detailed article on Ghana Vadya and Sushira Vadya with this linked article!

Four Categories of Musical Instruments

String Instruments

• String instruments produce sound by vibrating strings.
• Examples include the guitar, violin, and piano.

Wind Instruments

• Wind instruments produce sound by blowing air into or across the instrument.
• Examples include the flute, saxophone, and trumpet.

Percussion Instruments

• Percussion instruments produce sound by being struck, shaken, or scraped.
• Examples include drums, tambourines, and xylophones.

Brass Instruments

• Brass instruments produce sound through the player's buzzing lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece.
• Examples include the trumpet, trombone, and tuba.

Study the Difference Between Hindustani And Carnatic Music here.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

• Consider the following statements regarding Avanaddha Vadya

• Avanaddha Vadya is a percussion instrument, and it is also known as Membranophones.
• Sarangi is an example of Avanaddha Vadya.

Select the correct code:

• 1 Only
• 2 Only
• Both 1 and 2
• Neither 1 nor 2

UPSC Mains Practice Question

• What is Avanaddha Vadya? Explain the categories of Avanaddha Vadya with examples.

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