Maddalam

Maddalam consists of a hollow, cylindrical wooden drum, with both open ends fastened by leather. This instrument is a much softer counterpart of Chenda in Kathakali. In the early days a different type of Maddalam called the Thoppi Maddalam was used in Kathakali, but it was replaced by the Shuddha Maddalam The Maddalam is played with both hands after stringing it around the waist and with both hands.

Plastic rings called the Chuttu are fastened over the fingers for protection as well as to produce a distinctive sound. In Kathakali, the Maddalam dominates the scene when female characters act upon stage. Perhaps it is the softness of this instrument, in comparison to Chenda, which led to such a choice.

During the early stages of Maddalam training, children are made to play on a wooden set called the Shravana palaka. This helps them discern the differences in the sound of each beat, quite early on. Later, as the student’s progress to senior classes, they are allowed to play on a real Maddalam.