The harmonium, also known as reed organ, is a reed instrument that uses a bellows to force air into the reeds and produce sound. The air is supplied by pumping the bellows either by hand or by foot using a pedal. It produces a sound similar to that of the accordion.
The harmonium was invented in 1842 in Paris. In the middle of the 19th century, French missionaries brought the instrument to India, where it immediately became popular because of its low price and portability. Today, it is still one of the most important instruments in India.
