Parts of Mridhangam

Mridhangam (also pronounced as Mridangam) is the main percussion instrument in the south Indian classical music. It has been indicated that this was used by Brahma as an accompanying Taala instrument while Lord Paramashiva wa dancing after Thripura samharam. This instrument was first played by Lord Ganesha.

This instrument is made either from the wood of Jack tree or Rosewood. It has three parts - left, middle and right. The left and right parts are made from the skins of various animals while the middle is made of wood. These three parts will be joined together by means of thick strips made of animal skin.

A stack of three skins constitute the right side of the instrument. The outer skin is called "Meettu skin" and the inner one is called "chappu skin". The third one will not be visible. The skin of the Meettu part is from the calves and the chappu from sheep's skin. In the middle of the right side, "Karanai" which is a black coloured gum is pasted . This karanai is actually made from a mixture of Manganese powder, Rice, Iron powder etc.. To make the mixture intact, it will be rubbed with hard black coloured stone. After the rubbing, the karanai will be vary hard in the middle and loosely packed in the end and through this combination, we are able to hear the "Sweet Naadham" from the mridhangam.

The left side is made out of two skins. The outer one from buffallo skin and the inner one from the skin of sheeps. Before the start of a concert, Rava mixed with water will be provided on the left side. The Shruthi of the left side will be one octave less than that of the right side.

The left side will always be half inch. greater(in diameter) than the right side. Usually the size of the left side will range from 6.5 inches to 7.5 inches. and the right side will vary from 6.5 inch. to 7 inches. The shruthi of the right side will be equal to the AadharaShadjham of the Singer.





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