The Nagara is a large and one-faced instrument played through percussion. Traditionally, it is played by the Ho tribe of Madhya Pradesh. Iron strips are molded and attached together to form a vessel-shaped body, along with animal hides covering the drum. It is played with two thick wooden sticks, producing low, booming beats which travel far. Ho tribe is the aboriginal tribe, which is mainly found in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The people of the Ho tribe use Nagara in rituals and performance styles for different occasions including war dance and community gathering. It used to be a war drum that warned the tribal warriors of a battle or the approaching threats towards the village. In modern times, this instrument continues to be used during festivals, processions, and traditional tribal performances.
The loud and commanding sound of the Nagara makes it important for all Ho tribal music, along with folk dances and celebrations. It is symbolic of the craft of the tribe as it uses all local materials compared to making an instrument into something in their culture. Although western invasion has affected the Ho, this unique instrument remains the strength of the Ho society and its unity.