Chenda

The instrument of chenda is for percussions and cylindrical in shape, which is prevalent in the Kerala state as well as in Karnataka, mostly in the region of Tulu Nadu, where it is also called as Chande.

This instrument is used for playing in festivities of hindu temples and also in various art forms related to religions as accompanying instrument in kerala. For dance forms like Koodiyattam, Kathakali, Theyyam, Kannyar Kali, and in various rituals, the chenda is seen as accompanying instrument in kerala. In Yakshagana, which is a dance drama seen inKarnataka in Tulu Nadu region, this is also played. This instrument is taken to be, in traditional sense, one which will not have harmony and so known as Asura Vadyam. But still, it is among those instruments in the state of kerala, which cannot be avoided in any kind of activities related to religion.

The instrument Chenda is most commonly seen during the festival performances related to hindu temples as an accompanying instrument in various functions of the art forms, carried out in Kerala. In various dance processes of Kriyanga Pancha Vadyam or Kathakali and in the temple rituals using instruments, there is a group of musical instruments or Chenda Melam. Normally, the drum is thought of as the demonic instrument or Asura Vadyam and therefore the side on the left of this instrument is played, with right part of the drum struck only during specific instances such as when the goddess is carried into the Kathakali dance arena or in rituals related to Tantra and during Goddess Bhadrakali’s worship.

Origin of Chenda

Chenda is a kind of instrument for music, in prevalence since ancient era. It was initially seen in the mythologies, sculptures and paintings related to Hinduism. It was primarily used by king’s men for announcing some important agenda to the public as well as for declaration of war. Traditionally, it was thought to be a Asura Vadyam, which couldn’t be used as an instrument of harmony. In the state of Kerala, the Chenda was seen to be used during festivals, in important ceremonies, temple instrument playing and then went on to become important for various activities related to culture and rituals. This is a kind of percussion instrument, from where complex music was produced. The music emanating is rigid and quite loud and one can hear it being played from as long as 3 kilometers. It is a heavy instrument and since ancient times has also been used in various rituals related to tantric customs of Mahakali.

Design

Chenda is having a body which is shaped like a cylinder and Jackwood is used to make it. It is usually of length 50 cms and diameter of 25 cms. Heifer is the material which is a kind of leather for the faces which is present. The side which is present in the left is one parchment and is plain. The side on the right has a number of hides, which are 6 in number and 7 in some, which are having diameters in decreasing order and stuck to each other. There is the leather, which is fixated by bamboo or a metal ring and then the rings on both sides are braced by using ropes. The entire drum is suspended from the player’s neck, and two sticks are used to play it. Although, playing is possible by beating both sides, in usual practice only one is beaten. The parchment on the top or outer side is usually struck with the sticks.

Playing Positions

A chenda can be played in varying ways. It is made of a cylinder shaped drum, with length of about 2 feet and 1 foot diameter. Animal skin is used to cover both ends. It is hung from the player’s neck in a vertical position. The upper hide is struck by use of two sticks. The instrument is well known for the loud sound that it gives out.

Notable Players

• Thrippekkulam Achutha Marar
• Aliparamba Sivarama Poduval

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