Throughout its history, the peoples of India have developed numerous systems for classifying musical instruments, many of which were based on morphological characteristics. The ancient Hindu system divided instruments into four categories: stretched (strings), covered (drums), hollow (wind), and solid (bells). This system is widely known to be the inspiration for the Western system of instrument classification put forth by Mahillon in 1880, which renames these groups—chordophones, membranophones, aerophones, and idiophones—basing the distinction on the way in which sound is created and not exclusively on construction. Over 2000 years ago, Bharata, in the Natya Shastra, classified instruments as tata (stringed instrument), sushira (wind instrument), avanaddha (percussion instrument) or ghana (solid instrument). Every one of the myriad instruments invented since then fits into one of these four timeless categories. This book is a comprehensive reference guide of Indian musical instruments. This book will be very useful for researchers, Music lovers, teachers and students of Music.

Kanishka Joshi is an acclaimed musicologist researching Indian musical instruments and their cultural significance. Her scholarly pursuits focus on the historical significance, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of traditional Indian musical instruments. Joshi's dedication to cultural preservation and educational outreach underscores her contributions to promoting Indian music traditions globally.