MRIDANGAM

The Mridangam, known as the double headed drum, is believed to be amongst the most ancient of drums.

A divine instrument, Mridangam is said to have been played by Lord Shiva and Nandhi Devar. It is the main percussion instrument used in Carnatic concerts and is known as the “King of percussion” instruments. It is used as an acccompaniment, as the lead instrument in tala vadya ensembles and is also played as a solo instrument in Thani Avarthanam concerts.

 

In Sanskrit, the word Mridangam  literally means “clay body”. This may indicate that the instrument was originally made out of clay.

Mridangam is a “Sruthi” percussion instrument, in that it can be tuned. The right head is tuned to match the tonic pitch of the vocalist or intrumentalist being accompanied. A small rock and a wooden dowel (Kallu & Pullu) are used to tune this instrument. The methodology of tuning works by tightening or loosening the leather straps that hold the sides (Valanthalai and Idanthalai) together to adjust the pitch.

Traditionally, semolina is mixed with water to form a paste, which is applied to the centre of the left head to provide a base sound.