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Percussion Instruments of Kerala

Percussion instruments can be termed as almost all pervasive in the world of music. It is essentially a means for rhythm, which is vital to most forms of music. The sounds, vibrations and the tone of percussion instruments vary according to the size and nature of materials used to make them.

Most of the percussion instruments used in Kerala are chiefly made of wood and with playing surfaces made of animal skin. The instruments are played either with sticks or with fingers and palms of the hand or a combination of all the three. Among them one could find unique ones like the Mizhavu, the popular Chenda, the divine Thimila, the classical Mridangam and the smallest of percussion instruments used in Kerala -- Thappu.

This video film showcases percussion instruments of Kerala with highlights on its manufacturing, style of playing, traditions attached and their role in the socio-cultural and religious life of Kerala, India.

Thappu
Thappu is among the small sized drums used in Kerala. Thappu is played with palms of both hands and is usually accompanied by traditional cymbals called the Ilathaalam. Unlike other percussion instruments of Kerala, Thappu does not have strings attached for adjusting the tone.

Mizhavu
Mizhavu is one of the largest of percussion instruments used in Kerala and is pot shaped in its appearance. The present day Mizhavu is made of bronze and copper whereas the earlier ones were made of clay. It is traditionally played by the members of the Nambiar community, and is played by using the palms of both hands. It plays a pivotal role during performances of Kutiyattam and Koothu.

Maddalam
Maddalam another popular percussion instrument of Kerala is made out of a single block of hollowed jack wood. This percussion instrument is usually played as part of temple rituals and also during theatrical performances like Kathakali and Krishnanattam. While playing, the Maddalam is tied around the waist and is played by both the palms with finger tips covered with artificial caps.

Mridangam
Mridangam is a key instrument for south Indian classical performances. Though not of Kerala origin, it is widely used in Kerala. Mridangam, which resembles Maddalam, is also made out of jack wood. While playing, the artist sits cross-legged with the right foot slightly extended and placed above the left foot with the Mridangam placed on the right foot and ankle.

Thakil
Thakil is another percussion instrument, which has its origin in Tamil Nadu, but widely used in Kerala. The left side of the drum is played with fingers fitted with metal caps, while the right side is played with slightly curved wooden sticks. Thakil is often played as an accompaniment to Nagaswaram, a wind instrument and forms part of temple ceremonies as well as auspicious occasions like marriages in the Hindu tradition.

Thimila
A double-headed drum in the shape of a long hourglass, Thimila is an essential percussion instrument of temple orchestra to assist in rituals. It is also an important instrument while performing the Panchavadyam, the traditional musical ensemble of Kerala. It is believed that the rhythmic sounds of the Thimila add to the divinity of god's abodes and also to the Panchavadyam.

Edakka
Edakka is another hourglass shaped smaller percussion instrument considered very divine like the Thimila and noted for its varied tones. It is a friction drum and its uniqueness lies in the fact that the instrument is a rare combination of pitch and rhythm.

Chenda
Chenda is an essential accompaniment for temple festivals and for some of the classical and folk forms of dance and music. The sound produced while playing the Chenda is usually high, which gives it a classification among percussion instruments with demonic traits. But, the beats of the Chenda can also produce astonishingly low tones and are used to accompany songs that are soft and soothing. During performance, the Chenda is hung from the shoulder of the player and is played with stick in both hands or with stick in one hand. This percussion instrument is at its best when played in the traditional musical ensemble called Thayambaka. Massed Chenda also takes centre stage during the grand festive occasions of Kerala like the famous Thrissur Pooram.

Panchavadyam
Panchavadyam is the most popular and traditional orchestra of Kerala. The word Panchavadyam means five instruments, comprising Maddalam, Edakka, Thimila, Ilathalam and the horn Kombu. Panchavadyam is performed by a group of artists standing in rows facing each other. Panchavadyam is of significance during most of the festival occasions, religious processions and also during cultural events.

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