Manjeera

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Manjeera, also known as Tala, are a pair of small metal cymbals, which originated in India. They are held and played with the hands and often accompany folk or devotional music. Manjeera are usually made of bronze, brass, copper or zinc and connected with a copper cord passing through holes in their center. They produce a rhythmic tinkling sound whose pitch varies according to their size, weight and the material of their construction. A player can also adjust the timbre by varying the point of contact while playing.

The manjeera is an ancient instument, pictures of it have been found in temples dating back to the earliest times.