Question

Manjira is an example of ghana vadya.
(A) True
(B) False

Answer 1

Hint: Manjira is a musical instrument that has a pair of clash cymbals. It makes high-pitched percussion sounds. Manjira also is known as taal, jalra or gini. This instrument has significant importance in Indian folk music. Ghana vadya are also known as idiophones. In Ghana vadya type of instruments, the sound is produced by striking instruments which are made up of wood or metal pieces.

Complete step by step solution:
The musical instruments have been divided into four main categories based on how sound is produced
1. The tata vadya or chordophones are stringed instruments
2. The sushira vadya or aerophones are wind instruments
3. The avanaddha vadya or membranophones are percussion instruments
4. The ghana vadya or idiophones are solid instruments which do not require tuning.
Ghana vadya:
Ghana Vadya is said to be one of the earliest musical instruments invented by man. Once constructed, this variety of instruments does not need special tuning prior to playing. In early times these instruments were said to be the extension of the human body such as sticks, clappers, rods, etc. and also closely related to objects used in daily life such as pans and pots, falams, jhanj etc. They are principally rhythmic in their function and this instrument is best suited as an accompaniment to folk and tribal music and dance.
Manjira:
The Manjira instrument generally made of different metals such as bronze, brass, bell metal, or copper-zinc connected with a copper cord holder which is fixed through the holes in the centre, and the two parts of the instrument, when struck together, produce a rhythmic tingling sounds, The pitch of the sound changing according to the type of cymbals, in terms of its size, weight, and material of construction, the player of the instrument can adjust the timbre according to the requirement at the time of playing the instrument.

$\therefore$ It is true that Manjira is an example of Ghana vadya. Hence the option (A) is correct.

Note:
Manjira is also used in the music concerts as an accompaniment and it is also a very important property for the music team when assisting dance performances such as Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Manipuri, Katha Kali, Andhra Natyam etc, apart from this it is also used by every folk singer.