• Tat - string (Tambura, Sitar)
• Ghana - metal, brass (Manjira, bells)
• Susira - wind (flute, shanai)
• Anadha - hide instruments (Mardala, Pakuaj, Tabla)

About the Mardala

The Mardala is typicaly made from one these woods:

• Neem    learn more ...
• Raktachandau
• Sisu
• Jackfruit    learn more ...
• Khaiera

The Mardala is usually tuned around Db, C, B. The width of the hole on the right side determines the pitch, which is around 6" to 6.5". The left side (bass) is not tuned, it's more of a tonal quality and this side is 8" to 8.5" in diameter.

The left side is composed of 3 pieces of hide: 2 champas and one layer underneath. The left side is built with 2 pieces of hide.