Instruments Used in Kathakali

The Chenda is a cylindrical drum with a goatskin head that is played with two sticks. It is one of the most important percussion instruments in Kathakali and is used to create a variety of rhythmic patterns.

The Veena is a plucked string instrument that is used to provide a drone in Kathakali performances. It is a long, narrow instrument with a gourd body and four strings.

The Violin is a bowed string instrument that is used to play the melody in Kathakali performances. It is a relatively recent addition to the Kathakali orchestra, having been introduced in the 19th century.

Cymbals are a pair of metal discs that are struck together to create a loud, crashing sound. They are used in Kathakali performances to create special effects, such as thunder or lightning.

The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument that is used to accompany the singing in Kathakali performances. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of melodies and rhythms.

The Mridangam is a double-headed drum that is used to keep time in Kathakali performances. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of rhythmic patterns.

The Ghatam is a clay pot that is used to create a rhythmic drone in Kathakali performances. It is played by striking the pot with the fingers or palms of the hands.

The Tabla is a pair of drums that is used to play the tala in Kathakali performances. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of rhythmic patterns.

The Veena is a plucked string instrument that is used to create a melodic drone in Kathakali performances. It is a long, narrow instrument with a gourd body and four strings.

The Chenda is a cylindrical drum with a goatskin head that is played with two sticks. It is one of the most important percussion instruments in Kathakali and is used to accompany the dance.

The Tabla is a pair of drums that is used to create a rhythmic pattern in Kathakali performances. It is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of rhythmic patterns.

The Veena is a plucked string instrument that is used to create a melodic pattern in Kathakali performances. It is a long, narrow instrument with a gourd body and four strings.

The Chenda is a cylindrical drum with a goatskin head that is played with two sticks. It is one of the most important percussion instruments in Kathakali and is used to create a percussive pattern.

The Veena is a plucked string instrument that is used to create a harmonic pattern in Kathakali performances. It is a long, narrow instrument with a gourd body and four strings.

The Ghatam is a clay pot that is used to create a rhythmic drone in Kathakali performances. It is played by striking the pot with the fingers or palms of the hands.