Madhalam

The maddalam, madalam or madhalam (Malayalam: മദ്ദളം) is a drum made out of the wood of the jackfruit tree. It has two sides for playing, made out of leather, and has different kinds of sounds on each side. The maddalam is a heavy instrument that is hung around the waist of the person playing, and the player stands the whole time to perform. The maddalam is a vital instrument in traditional Kerala and jaffna percussion ensembles like Panchavadyam, Keli and Kathakali orchestra.

Except for the central projection, the Maddalam resembles a Mridangam in shape.