Mridangam

Mridangam, a percussion instrument, is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in Carnatic Music ensemble. According to Hindu Mythology, the origin of Mridangam is connected with Lord Nandi the escort of Mahadeva. During the Tandava dance by Lord Shiva (Mahadeva) Nandi seemed to have played Mridangam. It is also connected with Lord Ganesha the remover of obstacles. The earliest versions of Mridangam were made of hardened clay, suggesting the origin of its name from the Sanskrit words “Mrttika” and “Angam”. Mrttika means Clay or Earth and Angam means Body or Limb. Hence Mridangam means a body made out of clay. Structure A double-headed barrel-shaped drum, the present Mridangams are made out of single hollowed-out piece of wood. Normally the wood of Jack tree or Rosewood i...