Two Types of Jug Drums are Matkas and Ghatams. Matkas are clay pots used for transporting, storing and filtering water in India and Pakistan. They make a distinct sound when water is poured into them or their surface is tapped, so they also serve as impromptu musical instruments at joyous occasions, especially weddings.

Ghatams are an earthenware pot played in south Indian classical music, as well as being used by the rural folk in folk music. The mouth of the ghatam is open and is somewhat narrow compared to the mud pots used for domestic purposes. When the mouth is covered with a parchment it becomes the pot-drum. The clay used for making ghatams is mixed with iron-filings and baked.