Learn Dholak with Free Lessons & Tips

• It is one of the oldest Indian percussion instruments, originating 2,000 years ago.
• This traditional instrument is found in various parts of South India.
• It is a popular bifacial drum of Carnatic music and is used as an accompaniment in South Indian Classical music.
• It is also known by the name of maddal or maddalam.
• It is held across the lap and played on both ends with the hands and fingers.
• A similar instrument, the pakhavaj, is played in the Hindustani tradition of northern India, as well as in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Mridangam is a percussion instrument that has been used in traditional Indian music for centuries. It is not inherently unethical to use the Mridangam, but as with any cultural practice, it is important to approach it with respect and understanding. Appropriation of cultural practices without proper acknowledgement or understanding can be disrespectful and harmful. It is important to learn about the cultural significance of the Mridangam and its place in Indian music before using it. Additionally, it is important to recognize and respect the cultural origins of the Mridangam, and to avoid using it in a way that is disrespectful or offensive to the culture it comes from.

The mridangam is a percussion instrument originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in a Carnatic music ensemble. In Dhrupad, a modified version, the pakhawaj, is the primary percussion instrument. A related instrument is the Kendang, played in Maritime Southeast Asia.

Perhaps the most characteristic rhythm played on the dhol is a quick double-dotted figure that may be counted in rhythmic solfege as "ONE -tah and -tah TWO -tah and -tah THREE-E -TAH, FOUR AND" (rest on "and") or simply a long string of double-dotted notes, over which the bass side is used for improvisation.