Indian musical instruments

Introduction

Indian musical instruments can be broadly classified into three categories, namely classical, western and folk. See Carnatic music and Hindustani music.

Classification

The instruments are further sub-classified into the type based on the science behind the same.

Wind instruments

• Bansuri
• Nagaswaram
• Pungi
• Shehnai

Percussion

• Chenda
• Dholak
• Ghatam
• Idakka
• Mrudangam
• Tabla

String instruments

• Ektara
• Tanpura
• Sarangi
• Santoor
• Sarod
• Sitar
• Vina
• Rudra Vina

Others

• The Violin is a popular western instrument used widely in Indian classical music, specifically Carnatic music.
• The Harmonium is originally a western instrument, but is now more popular in India than in other countries.

There are numerous native musical instruments used in folk music.

See also Music of India.