The Rousing Sound Of Chenda

(Video by Shivani Rao)

HISTORY  OF  CHENDA....

Chenda  is  an ancient  musical  instrument. It has  been  in  use  since  prehistorical  times . Its  presence  was  first  discovered  in  Hindu  mythologies , paintings  and  sculptures .  In  earlier  days , Chenda  was  used  by  the  messengers  of the kings to announce  important  information  and  also  to  declare  war . Traditionally , it  was  called as  'Asura  Vadyam ' which  means  an  instrument  which  cannot be  used  in  harmony .

1] GURU  DAKSHINA 
Dakshina is offrerd to the Guru at the time of 
commencing  the performance in public. 

In  Kerala , it  was  used  at  the  time  of  festivals. and  also in  temples. Its sound is still believed to be important on any auspicious  ceremony. It has become an integral part  of  their  cultural  activities  and  rituals . 

This Indian drumming instrument  is  capable  of  producing  very  complex  rhythms . The  sound  emitted  by  Chenda  is  loud  and  high . The sound  produced  can  be  heard  easily  up to the distance of more  than  3  kilometers. This  instrument  is  very  heavy  in  weight . Chenda  has  also  been  in  use  in  the  'Tantric'  rituals  of  goddess  Mahakali  from  the  previous  times . 


In Kerala the children are taught this divine art at their early age. The rituals are very religious and important. The photograph shows how "DEEKSHA" is taken from a GURU in the presence of the community and the headmen.

2) GURU plays Chenda with Shishyas after the rituals.
 [ This photo is taken at Payyanur in Kerala during a Chenda Melam ]

                                                                                                                                                                   

                 This is a small clip of  chenda melam

3)  CHENDA 

4) The Chenda and the Sticks

               

So friends, now you all are aware of the instrument called CHENDA. But I still want to give you all some more information. It goes this way........

In picture 2 you  will find a line of  few  people at the back of the children . They are providing supporting rhythmic sounds for Chendas. Some instruments which are played are  Kombu  (kind of trumpet), Kuzhal  and Elathalam . These are Malayalam names.

KUZHAL  - on the left side  

                          

     

ELATHALAM

KOMBU

By: Bhavani .H

What Is Chenda?

CHENDA

Chenda is a  South Indian percussion instrument. It is mainly used in Kerala while accompanying  the classical dance of Kathakali, Koodiyattam and it also one of the 'Panjavadyam'. It is also used in South Karnataka, Tulu Nadu with the dance form of Yakshagana.

The two faces are fixed with the help of  rope

It is a cylindrical drum made of jackfruit wood. It has a circular frame made of bamboo or the wood of palm tree. The skin of an ox is soaked in water and fixed on the circular frame. Then this skin is placed on the wooden drum and stretched using rope made of coir or nylon. It's length is 2ft and the diameter is 1ft. 

They are hung vertically on the shoulders like that of a side drum . The upper face of the drum or Chenda is beaten with sticks to create rhythmical sound. It produces very loud sound.

It is also called Asura Vadya.

TYPES OF CHENDA

There are mainly three types of Chenda -

• Uruttu Chenda(for playing variation)
• Vukku Chenda(for playing basic rhythm)
• Acchau Chenda