Indian drums and percussion are an integral part of the Indian music tradition. These instruments are used to create a wide range of sounds and rhythms, from the traditional beats of the tabla to the contemporary grooves of the dhol. Indian percussion instruments have been used for centuries to accompany classical and folk music, as well as for religious ceremonies and celebrations.
The range of Indian drums and percussion is vast, with each instrument having its own unique sound and character. From the deep, resonant tones of the Mridangam to the light, delicate sounds of the Kanjira, Indian drums, and percussions offer a vast array of colors and textures that can be used to create beautiful and complex music.
Types of Indian Drums & Indian Percussion
Dhol
The Dhol is a traditional Indian two-headed drum played with sticks. It is an important instrument in both North and South Indian music, and is used to create a variety of rhythms and sounds. This drum is usually made of wood and is played with two sticks, one in each hand. It is typically constructed with a wooden body and leather-covered faces. It usually measures between 18 and 20 inches in length, and 12 inches in breadth. To secure the two sides of the instrument, strong “Rojju” are fitted through small round rings. The Dhol is often used to provide accompaniment to religious ceremonies, weddings, and other celebrations.
Mridangam
The Mridangam is a percussion instrument commonly used in South Indian classical music. It is a double-headed drum made of a hollowed-out piece of jackfruit wood, with two heads covered with a mixture of black and red paste. It is played with two sticks, one in each hand, and is known for its deep, resonant sound. The Mridangam is an essential part of a South Indian classical ensemble, and is often considered to be the most important instrument in the ensemble.
Suddha Maddalam
The Suddha Maddalam is a two-headed drum from North India. It is made of a hollowed-out piece of jackfruit wood and is covered with a goatskin on both sides. The heads are tuned to different pitches and are played with two sticks, one for each head. The Suddha Maddalam is used in Carnatic music and is an essential part of traditional South Indian percussion ensembles. This musical instrument is similar to the Mridangam, however it is much larger in size and has a thicker, larger gab. It produces a heavier sound wave than the Mridangam, making it an essential part of Kathakali dance from Kerela.
Udukku
The Udukku is a traditional percussion instrument of South India. It is a small, hourglass-shaped drum with two heads, one on each end. The heads are made of animal skin and the shell is usually made of wood. It is usually played with a stick and is used to provide rhythm in Carnatic music and folk music. This percussion is approximately one foot in length. It has a thin middle section and is typically made of either wood or mud. To play the Dugdugi, it should be held in the left hand and played with the right hand; it is mainly used for folk songs originating from Tamil Nadu.
Damaru
Damaru is a traditional Indian percussion instrument made of wood, bamboo, and metal. It is a double-headed drum with a cylindrical shape and has a unique sound. This drum is used in many genres of Indian music, including folk, classical, and devotional music. It is larger in size than its counterpart and has two leather faces held together by a strong rope and is suspended from the left shoulder with a rope. It is played with the right hand and is especially popular in Gharwal regions.
Pambai
The Pambai is a type of Indian percussion instrument that is used in Carnatic classical music. It is a cylindrical drum made from a hollowed-out piece of jackfruit tree and is covered with either goat or cow skin. It is traditionally played with the fingers and palms and is used to provide a steady rhythmic accompaniment to the music. The upper part is crafted from brass and the lower part is made from wood, with both faces covered in leather. It can be played either by hand or with a stick and is often used in traditional folk dances of Northern India.
Chenda
The Chenda is a traditional percussion instrument of India, originating from the state of Kerala. It is a cylindrical drum with a wooden or metal body, usually made from jackfruit wood, and is played with sticks. The Chenda used in many forms of traditional and folk music, as well as in some classical music. It is also used in temple festivals and folk dances. The Chenda is a type of Dhol, measuring two feet in length and one foot in breadth. It is played by holding two sticks in each hand and is commonly used with the Kathakali dance of Kerala as well as folk dances from both Northern and Southern India.
Khol
Khol, also known as Mridangam, should not be mistaken for the North Indian ancient Mridangam or Pakhwaj. This instrument is crafted from burnt clay, with a higher middle portion and two slanting faces on either side. The faces are made of leather and each one has a black area in the middle called ‘Gab’.
The unique quality of the ‘Khol’ is that there is no need to adjust the ‘sur’ or scale, as is necessary with a Tabla. It is typically used in accompaniment with ‘Kirtans’, Devotional songs, and ‘Kirtananga Rabindra Sangeet’. Additionally, it can be used for Manipuri dances.
Nakkara
The Nakkara is a type of Indian percussion instrument that is used in Carnatic music. It is a small, cylindrical drum with a single head that is made of animal skin and is played with two sticks. The drum is held between the thighs and the sound is created by striking the head with the sticks. It is usually used as an accompanying instrument in ensembles and is known for its deep, resonant tones.
Nakkara is an ancient musical instrument of great importance. It has two variations, Bheri and Dundubi, both of which are types of Nakkara. Generally made of either bronze or brass, Nakkara is shaped similarly to a tabla’s Bayan. The face is covered with leather and held firmly in place by Rojju.
Tumbak Nari
The Tumbak Nari is a traditional Indian percussion instrument. It is a single-headed drum that is played with sticks and is used primarily in North Indian classical music. It has a deep and resonant sound and is used to provide a rhythmic accompaniment to the music. The Tumbak Nari is also used in folk music and is a popular instrument in weddings and festivals. It is shaped similarly to a water pot and its lower part is crafted from leather which is held below the left arm while being played with the right hand.
Closing Thoughts
Indian drums and percussion have been used for centuries to create a variety of music and sounds. From the Nakkara to the Mridangam, these instruments are an integral part of Indian culture and have helped to shape the music of the region. They are also used in many forms of traditional and modern music, from classical to pop. Whether it is for entertainment, religious ceremonies, or just for fun, Indian drums and percussion will continue to be a part of Indian culture for many years to come.
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