Vishnu Achutha Menon1 & Boobalakrishnan. N2
1 Doctoral Scholar, Department of Media and Communication, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Neelakudi, Thiruvarur – 610005, India. ORCID: 0000-0003-4028-3685. Email: vishnuamenon@gmail.com.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Media and Communication, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Neelakudi, Thiruvarur – 610005, India. ORCID: 0000-0002-8972-3429. Email: boobalakrishnan@cutn.ac.in
Volume 4, Number 2, 2020 I Full Text PDF
Abstract
Chenda is a versatile instrument and is used on various occasions, strictly Ritualistic to totally entertainment; both as a Leading instrument, a Rhythm keeper. Its usage in theatre is as the ‘talking drum’ that compliments with maddalam and with the body movements of the actors. This study analyses, Melam and its rhythmic structures, Melam is a type of concert presented at the temples in Chenda. This paper has formed from field notes and interviewing Chenda masters like Sadanam Vasudevan, Padmashree Mattanur Sankaran Kutty Marar and Padmashree Peruvnam Kuttan Marar.
Keywords: Chenda, Melam, Rhythmic Structure, Kerala Drum
