Avanaddha Vadya

Maddalam (Madhalam) is a double headed drum instrument which looks like Mridangam but bigger and heavier than it. It has a projection on its body in the middle portion. Maddalam is used for Pancha Vadyam, Keli, Kathakali and Krishnanaattam. The name Maddalam has been derived from the Sanskrit word “Marddalam”, meaning something which receives pressure. Maddalam normally received beating on its left and right heads from the player. There are two varieties of Maddalam – Suddha Maddalam and Toppi Maddalam. Suddha Maddalam belongs to Avanaddha Vadya catagory of Musical Instruments which are basically Membranophones. The four Major Categories of Musical Instruments are Avanaddha Vadya, Ghana Vadya, Sushira Vadya and Tata Vadya. Avanaddha Vadya are Membranophones and Percussion...