The traditional wind instrument clarionet (Sushir Vadya) was of musical as well as cultural importance for the native communities of India. This unique instrument, now preserved in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, is closely linked with the Kota tribe-an indigenous people of the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu.
The clarionet structure consists of two conical wooden pieces-one being the funnel-shaped wooden piece with a brass strip along its rim-and the other being the wooden tube that is open at one end. A round copper piece along with a bronze tube is attached to it in order to assist airflow during playing. This is one of the finest instances of craftsmanship and musical tradition of the Kota community, which had a rich tradition in building and playing wind instruments for rituals, ceremonies, and cultural expression. Known for their skills in ironwork, pottery, and music, the Kota have maintained their traditional musical heritage for generations. The clarionet is a deep with resonating sound and is used in various tribal ceremonies, serving as a testament to India's vast diverse musical heritage.