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| Percussion instrument | |
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| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 111.24 (Percussion vessels) |
| Developed | ancient |
| Related instruments | |
| Botija, gharha | |
| Carnatic music |
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| Concepts |
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The ghaṭam (Sanskrit: घट, Kannada: ಘಟ ghaṭa, Tamil: கடம் ghatam, Telugu: ఘటం ghataṃ, Malayalam: ഘടം, ghataṃ) is a solid instrument used in various repertoires across the Indian subcontinent, especially in Southern India . Its variant is played in Punjab and known as gharha as it is a part of Punjabi folk traditions. Its analogue in Rajasthan is known as the madga and pani mataqa ("water jug").
The ghatam is one of the most ancient percussion instruments in Pakistan and India. It is a clay pot with a narrow mouth. From the mouth, it slants outwards to form a ridge. Made mainly of clay baked with brass or copper filings with a small amount of iron filings, the pitch of the ghatam varies according to its size. The pitch can be slightly altered by the application of plasticine clay or water.[1][page needed]
Although the ghatam is the same shape as an ordinary Indian domestic clay pot, it is made specifically to be played as an instrument. The tone of the pot must be good and the walls should be of even thickness to produce an even tone and nice sound.
Ghatams are mostly manufactured in Manamadurai, a place near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Though this instrument is manufactured in other places like Chennai and Bangalore, too, Manamadurai ghatams have special tonal quality. It is believed that the mud is of special quality. The Manamadurai ghaṭam is a heavy, thick pot with tiny shards of brass mixed into the clay. This type of ghaṭam is harder to play but produces a sharp metallic ringing sound which is favored by some players.
- ^ Reck, David B. (1999). "Musical Instruments: Southern Area". Routledge. In: Arnold, Alison; ed. (2000). Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. South Asia: The Indian Subcontinent. Vol. 5. Garland, New York/London.