Mridangam: An Indian Classical Percussion Drum

Mridangam is one of the most venerated and popular classical drums of India. Its incredible tonal quality has made this rhythmic instrument an indispensable one in the music and dance performances and in other religious rituals in India. Its design and construction being highly scientific, has drawn the attention of many scientists to make a detailed study with regard to its acoustical properties. The innumerable rhythmic patterns based on permutation and combination, when performed by a mridangist enhances the music concert. The tala system of Indian classical music provides the musical composition and the rhythmic syllables a definite structure. The great art of relating the percussion skill to music which we have inherited from our stalwarts of the past provides scope for further improvisation and innovation. Further, mridangam will reign the field of percussion art and stands as a testimony to the inventive genius of our ancestors for ever.