mridang
The mridangam is a traditional South Indian percussion instrument widely used in Carnatic music, a classical music genre originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is a barrel-shaped drum with two heads, typically made from a hollowed-out wooden cylinder, often from the *temburnai* or *kumbi* tree. The instrument is played with the hands and is known for its rich, resonant sound, capable of producing both melodic and rhythmic tones.
The mridangam has a distinctive appearance, featuring a cylindrical body with a flared rim and two drumheads:
In Carnatic music, the mridangam serves as the primary rhythmic accompaniment, providing the *tala* (rhythmic cycle)
The mridangam has a long history, with references to similar drum forms appearing in ancient Indian texts