The foundation of Indian Music consists of a combination of three art forms- vocal music, instrumental music and dance altogether known as Sangeet .Among them instrumental music occupies a significant position . Instrumental music is known as 'Vadhya Sangeet'.

The instrumental music or 'Vadhya Sangeet of Kerala is dramatic and lively with with a large number of musical instruments such as Chenda, Dolak, Edakka, Mizhavu, Mridangam, Udukku, Takil and Timila and a few percussion instruments. Wind instruments include Kombu, Kuzhal, Nadaswaram and Mughavina and so on. The varied stringed instruments include Tamburu, Sarangi, Swarabi, Vina and Violin. The Chendamelam has become an inseparable part of all the temple festivals of Kerala. 'Thayampaka' is another unique temple vadya. 'Panchavadyam' consists of five musical instruments which are played together to create a melodious tune.

Swati Tirunal, the ruler of Travancore was a fervent partron of music and had a splendid assemblage of talented musicians in his court. Along with with his spiritual guide- Meruswami, he revolutionized the Karnatic Music of Kerala. The legendary four musicians from Tanjore by the name of Chinnayya, Ponnayya, Vativelu and Sivanandan were a part of his royal court. Among them Vativelu introduced the melodious stringed instrument -violin. The maestro of Veena - Subbukkutty Ayya also popularized the instrumental stringed instrument.

Kerala has acquired its individual temple arts which are typical in form. In these forms of Temple Art, instrumental music has become an inseparable part.

Chenda Melam which includes the playing of instruments such as Chenda, Kuzhal and Kombu is an essential part of all temple festivals or utsavams.

Tayambaka which involves the native art of exhibiting talas by drumming the traditional piece of drum called Chenda.

Panchavadyam is another unique art in which consists of the concerto of five musical instruments, (Elathalam ,Idakka, Kombu ,Maddalam and Timila) along with and Sankh (Conch) and Kuzhal.

Nagaswaramelam, also known as called Pandimelam, is another array of Vadyams played in auspicious occasions and temple festivals of Kerala.

The musical instruments of Kerala are classified under the following heads -

Idophonic Instruments

Aramani
Chandravalayam
Chengala
Elathalam
Kaimani
Kinnam
Kool
Kuzhithalam
Piriyankoolu
Ponthi
Thalara
Villu

Wind Instruments

Cheenam
Kaalam
Kombu
Kurum
Kuzhal
Nagarwaaram
Otakkuzhal Peepi
Sankh

Percussion/ Beat Instruments

Aravana
Chenda
Chettivadayam
Dakka
Davil
Dolu
Edakka
Kadumthuti
Maddalam
Mrindangam
Mizhavu
Nagaari
Nagaaram
Sudhamaddalam
Tammittan
Takil
Thappatta
Toppi Maddalam
Timila
Udukku
Urumi

Stringed Instruments

Nanthuny
Kudam Pullavan
Pullavan
Veena Tamboru
Veena

Last Updated on 27 May 2011

Music of Kerala

Sopanam Style