Naghara is a percussion instrument popular in North India. It is a drum that was used in the naubat ensemble in Mughal courts to accompany the shehnai. It is still frequently used on the concert stage with the shehnai.

Structure of the Naghara
It is a single-headed conical drum, with a shell of riveted copper, brass, or sheet iron. The size of the naghara varies extremely, but often a concert instrument will have a diameter of two and a half to three feet. Two nagharas, one much smaller than that described above, are used to accompany shehnai players. The pair is played by one drummer. The larger drum (dhama) is made of metal, and its height and diameter are of equal proportions. The smaller drum (jhil) is made of clay or metal. Usually, it is shallower-from twenty-three to twenty-five centimeters high- and the diameter of its head is twenty-eight to thirty centimeters. Though the relative sophistication of the method for binding the head to the drum is less, this method is basically similar to that used on the tabla, pakhavaj, and dholak, a drum used in folk music. The binding laces are not drawn directly through the skin of the head, but in both cases are secured to other cords which form part of a band which encircles the upper rim of the drum. This method of binding ensures a more even distribution of tension and hoops to secure the head to the drum. The lacings form an X-type grid.

Tuning of the Naghara
Though neither drum lends itself readily to precise tuning, the tension of both heads may be altered. The dhama may be altered by the application of water, and the tension of the jhil cam be altered by the application of heat. The dhama often has a glutinous tuning paste placed under the center of its head.

Playing the Naghara
Traditionally, the instrument of the Naghara is played with the help of sticks. The instruments produce a sharp sharp, resonant sound that can carry quite far.