Tamil Nadu, the hot seat of Indian culture flourished under the regime of the ancient rulers of the Pallava, Pandya, Chola and Vijayanagar dynasties. The splendid temples do not only evince the state’s grandeur, but the craft of making musical instruments also speak volumes for themselves.

The art and culture of Tamil Nadu flourished under the benefaction of the ancient monarchs who were lovers of art and patronized the ancient craftsmen. Today it is a thriving revenue-generating industry and a source of livelihood of many.

Music and dance dominate Tamil Nadu’s cultural scenario. A natural ramification of this led to the establishment of musical instrument making shops and industries. A vast majority of these centers are situated around Thanjavur, which has produced some of the country’s leading musicians.

Tamil Nadu is noted for classifying musical instruments according to category as well as the occasion for which it has been designed. While the Naadaswaram gains prominence during wedding ceremonies, the Kumbu is played during religious festivals. The state also manufactures several percussion instruments, which closely resemble the tom-toms of Africa that serve the purpose of transferring messages.

Tamil Nadu’s magnum opus however rests in the archetypal wooden Yaazh, shaped like boats, fishes or crocodiles and serves the purpose of a harp or a lute. This obsolete instrument finds adequate mention in the ancient Tamil epic the Silappadikaaram. The members of the Thanjavur families were primarily engaged in this craft.

The state is also known for its wooden-based thamburas, varieties of flutes or kuzhal-a wind instruments locally known as vangiyam that pay a tribute to Lord Krishna’s talent.

The state of Tamil Nadu has given birth to several musical legends and also organizes several musical soirees replete with the performance of several musical luminaries and thus is a music lover’s paradise.

Last Updated on 1/17/2011

Arts and Crafts