Maddalam of Palakkad is a percussion instrument used in Kerala for the temple art forms like Kathakali, Panchavadyam, and Keli etc. Maddalam is considered to be a divine instrument or “Deva vadya” on account of its inclusion as a major accompaniment in the dance of Shiva. Maddalam dates back to 13th century.
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 synchronised. It is an indispensable accompaniment for the Kathakali and Mohini Attam dance forms.
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Maddalam considered being a divine instrument is a form of traditional and 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. The artisans of this area are skilled in the art of making of Maddalam.
Made from animal leather and indigenous wood, such as karingally, chempakkam, and jackwood, skilled craftsmen stretch the leather tight and bind it to the wood strips. This is done with the help of a paste of boiled rice and charcoal called choriduka. This binding is done in such a way as not to interfere with different sounds that can be extracted from the two sides of the drum.
Specialized tools are required for the manufacturing of Maddalam like Valuchu Uli (a bent chisel), Vattavayam Ulli (a chisel with a curved end), Irumbu Kotti (iron tools used for hitting), Kai Eda Tharan Uli (specially shaped chisels), Kodil (a plier), Tiruli (a pointed tool for making holes in leather), Koluthu and Kacha (a hook and cloth tied around the waist for tightening ( used for scraping leather).
Cylindrical in shape maddalam is chiseled out of a single piece of wood. The hollow ends of this elongated chiseled out drum are tightly strapped with a combination of cow and buffalo leather to create the required percussion impact. Cow hide is used for the inner ring whereas for the outer ring buffalo hide is used.
At the center of the right end is a permanent spot of black paste. This black spot helps the drummer create special tones. There are two varieties of maddalam- Suddha maddalam and Toppi maddalam. The former is tied around the waist of the drummer with a cloth while the latter is a smaller version suspended from the neck.
GI Tag Registration Date : 22 April 2008
GI Tag Number : 59
Certificate Number : 65
Geographical Area : Kerala
Special Cover Release Date : 27 December 2021
Cancellation : Palakkad HO 678 001
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : KL-51/2021
Enlarged View of Illustration
Enlarged View of Cancellation
Back Side Scan
India post has issued a commemorative stamp on Maddalam of Palakkad. Images are furnished below
Handicrafts of India
Geographical Indication (GI) registered Handicraft Products
Issued on 31 December 2018
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