Khanjira

Khanjira, a percussion instrument, is a popular frame drum. A narrow strip of wood or iron is bent in a form of open circular frame, with only one side covered with skin of wild lizard, called Iguana and little jingle plates of brass attached in pairs to the frame. While most of the frame drums are confined to tribal or folk music and dance, Khanjira has secured a significant place as an accompaniment in Karnatik system. It is usually played as a upapakkavadya, or a subsidiary percussion instrument along with the mridangam and is also played in percussion ensembles.