Musical Instruments of India

2026-01-10

Indian musical instruments are classified into four categories based on the Natya Shastra classification system, known as the Vadya system.

Classification

  1. Tata Vadya (Chordophones): Stringed instruments.
    • Examples: Veena, Sitar, Sarod, Tambura, Violin.
  2. Avanaddha Vadya (Membranophones): Percussion instruments with a skin.
    • Examples: Tabla, Mridangam, Pakhawaj.
  3. Sushira Vadya (Aerophones): Wind instruments.
    • Examples: Flute (Bansuri), Shehnai, Nadaswaram.
  4. Ghana Vadya (Idiophones): Solid instruments (metal/clay) that vibrate.
    • Examples: Ghatam, Manjira, Jal Tarang.

Timeline

  • c. 200 BCE: Classification in Natya Shastra.
  • c. 13th Century: Introduction of Persian instruments (Sitar, Tabla evolution) by Amir Khusrau.