Carnatic Musical Instruments

  

Carnatic Musical Instruments accompany the traditional Carnatic music, which is usually prevalent in the southern part of India. It is popular in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Carnatic music is one of the two sub genres of Indian classical music.

Chande
Chande is a percussion instrument used along with the traditional Carnatic music, especially in the state of Karnataka. It is a drum that provides rhythms in dance dramas like Yakshagana. It is played with the help of two sticks by placing it vertically on the floor. Chande rhythms are based on folk music and pre classical forms, and bear a close resemblance to Karnataka Sangeta. Different varieties of this instrument are found namely Badagu Thittu Chande and Thenku Thittu Chande.

Chenda
Chenda is another percussion instrument comprising of cylindrical wooden drum. It is played by hanging it vertically to the neck and beating the upper parchment. The instrument produces loud and rigid sound. Chenda is popular in temple festivals of Hindus and accompanies religious art forms and rituals Kerala. It also accompanies various dance forms like Koodiyattam, Theyyam, Kannyar Kali and Kathakali.

Electronic Tanpura
An Electronic Tanpura mimics the sound of Tanpura, a traditional string instrument of India. It is an essential commodity of Carnatic music and is a great substitute of real Tanpura. Electronic Tanpura is easier to use and is less expensive. G Raj Narayan was the inventor of this electronic instrument who demonstrated it for the first time at the annual conference of the Music Academy Chennai in December 1979. Electronic Tanpura serve greatly in the concerts as well as private practices.

Ghatam
Another popular percussion instrument used in Carnatic music is Ghatam. Ghatam is basically a clay pot having a narrow mouth. The walls of this pot must have even thickness for producing even tones. It is one of the oldest instruments of south India. Manamadurai, near Madurai, is the place where most of the Ghatams are manufactured. The technique of playing this instrument involves placing the pot over the lap with its mouth facing towards the belly. Rhythms having a fast tempo are played greatly with Ghatam.

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