Musical Instruments of Kerala

Panchavadyam/Source:Napier Museum

Kerala has a rich tration of music. It is not only part of daily life, but also of temple rituals. It can be also said that temples have played a major role in preserving and developing Kerala music over time and most of the tradtional Kerala musical instruments are used in Kerala temple music.

These music instruments are grouped into four categories: Thantri (stringed), Avanadham (percussion or drums), Ghanam (bells, cymbals and gongs), and Sushiram (wind).

List of Kerala Musical Instruments 

Avanadha Vaadhyangal (Membranophones)

1. Chenda
2. Veekan Chenda
3. Shudha Madhalam
4. Toppi Madhalam
5. Para
6. Timila
7. Idakka
8. Mizhavu
9. Udukku
10. Paani
11. Idudiviranam
12. Idamanam
13. Mridangam
14. Thudi
15. Kadumthudi
16. Arabana
17. Thappitta
18. Nakari
19. Pambavadyam
20. Panchamukhavadyam
21. Velathavil
22. Tabla
23. Thavil
24. Dholak
25. Kudukudupandi
26. Thamber

Thantri (stringed instruments)

1. Veena
2. Nanthuni
3. Pullonveena
4. Pulluvakudam
5. Tampura

Ghanam (idophonic instruments)

1. Ilathalam
2. Kuzhithalam
3. Chengila
4. Chaplankatta
5. Haribol

Sushiram (wind instruments)

1. Sanku
2. Kombu
3. Kurumkuzhal
4. Odakuzhal
5. Nagaswaram

Panchavadyam
Panchavadyam is an ensemble of five (pancha) instruments (vadyam) namely, kombu, edakka, thimila, ilathalam and maddalam. They hold a major position in the temple music of Kerala.