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Chenda

ചെണ്ട
MalayalamSay it: cheṇ · ḍa
  • ṇ — n with the tongue tip curled back
  • ṭ ḍ — t and d with the tongue tip curled back

Kerala's loud cylindrical drum, played with sticks

MusicKathakali

Meaning

The chenda is a cylindrical drum played with two sticks. Its powerful sound drives the dramatic and martial scenes of Kathakali.

Also written: chende, chendai

Sources

Related words

Maddalamമദ്ദളംKerala's barrel drum, softer partner of the chendaEdakkaഇടയ്ക്കKerala's small hourglass drum, struck with a stickRagaरागThe melodic framework a composition lives in.Swaraस्वरA musical note, named and sung.Mridangamमृदङ्गम्The double-headed drum that carries a Carnatic recital.TanpuraतानपूराThe long-necked drone instrument that holds the pitch

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