Nataraja
NatyaNetwork

Maddalam

മദ്ദളം
MalayalamSay it: mad · da · ḷam
  • ḷ — l with the tongue tip curled back

Kerala's barrel drum, softer partner of the chenda

MusicKathakaliMohiniyattam

Meaning

The maddalam is a two-headed barrel drum of jackfruit wood, worn at the waist and played standing. In Kathakali its softer tone stands out in scenes with female characters.

Also written: madhalam, madalam, maddhalam

Related words

Know this differently, or know it better? Traditions vary and we would rather be corrected — tell us.

Connect. Learn. Celebrate.