![]() ![]() Structure: The thimila is an hourglass-shaped dual-headed drum. Origin: While specifics are unknown, the thimila possibly originates from Kerala due to its centrality in Panchavadayam performance. With the Malayalam word ‘Panchavadayam’ literally translating into ‘five instruments,’ this article outlines the unique properties of the thimila, madhalam, elathalam, edakka, and kombu. Like many melams, Panchavadayam’s performance style is described as ‘pyramid-like’-in each rhythmic cycle (or ‘tala,’ the cyclical meter at the core of South Asian music), the tempo of the music increases as the number of beats decreases. While the instruments in this list are played across multiple art forms and regions of South India, they all come together in ‘Panchavadyam,’ an ensemble style originating in the state of Kerala on South India’s Malabar Coast. In this article, we explore five instruments that are united by their centrality to the ‘temple arts’ and ensemble (or ‘melam’) performance. Like many musical traditions from the subcontinent, Asia, and beyond, many instruments and timbres originating in South India evolved from deep-rooted practices of worship of local and broader deities, and moreover, the demonstration of spiritual devotion through performance and dance. Following a detailed overview of the percussion traditions of South Asia, we’re back with another round of exciting instruments-this time with a spotlight on South India.
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