Khartal or Kartal is an ancient cymbal music instrument from India. It has always been a favorite with saints and seers. Even today we find kahrtal being used in temples and gurudwaras. Kara means hand and tala means clapping. Despite being used for devotional music it has carved an important place for itself amongst the exponents of folk music in India. Kahrtal comprises two similar shaped wooden pieces and is approximately eight to twelve inches long and two to three inches wide. Small round brass prices are affixed over these wooden pieces. One of the pieces has a space for the thumb and the other to hold four fingers. khartal is played by the same hand.

NB: This is a folk music instrument and is handcrafted by the artisans of village India. The folk music instruments are usually meant for sale in the rural local markets. The artisans use very simple and age old tools to make folk music instruments. Almost all folk music instruments therefore lack the finesse that we often see in classical instruments.

Folk cymbal music instrument from India.

Two pieces to be held in the same hand.

One has hole for thumb, and other for four fingers.

Material - wood and brass, Length - 9 inches, Width - 3 inches.

Made by music instrument artisans of Bareilli in north India.