From Wikipedia
The Maddale (Kannada: ಮದ್ದಲೆ), also known as Mrudanga (ಮೃದಂಗ) in North Canara, is a percussion instrument from Karnataka, India. It serves as the primary rhythmic accompaniment in a Yakshagana ensemble, along with Chande. The maddale produces a perfectly harmonic tonic (shruti swara) when struck anywhere on its surface. This is in contrast to other instruments such as the Mrudangam, Pakawaj, or Tabla, which cannot produce the tonic (shruti) on all parts of their surfaces. Its drum head is similar to that of the tabla and its body is similar to that of the pakhavaj.