Two drums, two settings
The mridangam is the main rhythm instrument in a Carnatic concert. The thavil is the powerful barrel drum of temple festivals and weddings, played alongside the nadaswaram.
How they are played
The mridangam is played with the hands on both heads. The thavil is played with a stick on one side and a hand wrapped in finger caps on the other.
How they sound
The mridangam has a tuned, ringing treble head and a deep bass head, suited to a concert hall. The thavil is much louder, built to carry across open temple grounds.
Which should you buy?
Students of Carnatic vocal and instrumental music usually start on the mridangam. Those learning the nadaswaram-thavil tradition for temple and wedding music learn the thavil. Ask your teacher, then visit us to see both.
Talk to us before you buy
Visit Saraswathi Musicals at 4/6 Evening Bazaar Road, Park Town, Chennai, or call +91 86954 44653. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 8:30 pm.
