Musical Instruments of Kathakali
by CV Jitendran, Temple, Texas
The Chenda, a cylindrical double headed drum, can be played either with one hand
and a stick or with two sticks beating its
upper end. While kept in a vertical position by a strap over the player's left
shoulder, the two heads of the chenda, both being made of cow hide, can produce
four distinct tones.
The chenda, being the chief accompaniment of the vocalist, has a prominent role
in Kathakali music. It is most obvious during battle scenes or other scenes of
rising excitement during which the expert drummer, through his quick rolls,
creates thunderous cascades of harsh sounds. In contrast to this, for
sentimental scenes, the drummer can literally make the chenda weep with the
actor by slightly wetting the rim of the drum and changing the tension of the
head.
Known since the 13th century, the Maddalam is considered to be a ‘deva vadya’
(divine instrument) and is included as a major accompaniment in the
Kathakali music. There are two varieties of the maddalam: Suddha maddalam and
Toppi maddalam. The former is tied around the waist of the player with
a cloth, while the latter is a slightly smaller drum suspended from the neck of
the player. Suddha Maddalam is used in Kathakali. Barrel shaped and carved from
jack wood, both ends of the maddalam
are covered with stretched hide and fastened by leather straps. The right head
is made of ox hide. The performer wears coverings over fingers on his
right hand to achieve tremendous resonance and
a sharp, deep sound from the right head of the maddalam made of ox hide. On the
other hand, the left head is made of buffalo hide and is played with no finger
coverings.
The Chengala is a metal plate played with a stick usually played by the main
singer to keep the timing with the resounding gongs.
The Elathalam is a pair of brass cymbals. This is played by the supporting
singer.
