Maddalam of Palakkad

Maddalam considered being a divine instrument is a form of traditional /cultural expression. It is an essential accompaniment of Panchavadya and is traditionally associated with temple festivals in Kerala. It is made only in Palakkad district of Kerala. Maddalam is considered to be a divine instrument or “Devavadya” on account of its inclusion as a major accompaniment in the dance of Shiva. It is an indispensable accompaniment for the Kathakali and Mohini Attam dance forms. It is very similar to the midrange. Panchavadyam, an ensemble of five percussion instruments, is traditionally associated with temple festivals in Kerala. Panchavadyam (the five instruments) is a unique art in which sound emanating from five musical instruments (Maddalam, Idakka, Timila, Kombu and Elathalam) and two auxiliaries, Sankku (conch) and Kuzhal, in varying pitches are synchronized. The artisans of this area are skilled in the art of making of Maddalam.