Harmonium is not known in the west

[duff777]

"Average Joe" in the West doesn't know the hand pumped harmonium. The minority who knows this instrument is of Asian descent and/or a lover of Indian, Paki, Afghan, etc. folk, religious and classical music. Other minority knows the foot pumped harmonium, similar to organ.
Hand pumped harmonium is considered an Indian-Paki instrument.
French missionaries introduced it in the Indian subcontinent in the 19th. century. Today there is not a single factoy or artisan in Europe or USA that makes the hand pumped harmonium.

[mohan]

For more information see the book: The Harmonium in North Indian Music by Prof. Birgit Abels

[VK RAMAN]

Is Accordian a version of harmonium?

[Nick H]

"Average Joe" in the West doesn't know the hand pumped harmonium.

... but his great* grandfather did!

Average Joe now only knows Casio.


*EDIT: add a great or two; I think these things were more likely to be found in UK antique shops than music shops even in my childhood.