Question

Write the classification of Musical Instruments.

Hint:

Tat (string), Sushira (wind), Avanaddha (membrane), and Ghana (solid) are the four ancient instrument classes.

Answer 1

In Indian classical music, musical instruments are traditionally classified based on how sound is produced. The ancient classification comes from the Natya Shastra and is grouped into four main categories: 1. Tat Vadya (String instruments):

Sound produced by plucking, bowing, or striking strings.
Examples: Veena, Violin, Tanpura, Sitar.
2. Sushira Vadya (Wind instruments):

Sound produced by air blown into the instrument.
Examples: Flute, Nadaswaram, Shehnai.
3. Avanaddha Vadya (Percussion instruments):

Instruments with stretched membranes that are struck.
Examples: Mridangam, Tabla, Kanjira.
4. Ghana Vadya (Solid instruments):

Solid-body instruments that produce sound when struck.
Examples: Jalra, Ghatam, Manjira.
Modern View: Today, instruments are also categorized as melody instruments, rhythm instruments, and accompanying instruments based on their role in performance.