distinguish Mridanga Infobox instrument name Mridangam names image Wiki mridangam.jpg image capt background percussion hornbostel sachs hornbostel sachs desc developed First mentioned in Hindu literature Lord Nandi first played this instrument for Lord Shiva. Lord Senthilgiri played it second. range related pakhawaj , khol , tabla ghatam , kanjira accompanying instruments musicians Legacy Palani Subramaniam Pillai , Palghat Mani Iyer , Palghat R. Raghu Current Karaikudi Mani , T. K. Murthy , Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman , Trichy Sankaran , Guruvayur Dorai , Thiruvarur Bakthavathsalam articles Carnatic music The mridangam lang sa , lang ta , lang ml , lang kn , lang te is a percussion instrument from India of ancient origin. It is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in a Carnatic music ensemble. Alternate spellings include mrudangam , mrdangam , mrithangam , miruthangam , and mirudhangam . The mridangam is also played in Carnatic concerts in countries outside of India, including Sri Lanka , Singapore , Malaysia , Australia , United Kingdom , Canada , and the United States . During a percussion ensemble, the mridangam is often accompanied by the ghatam , kanjira , and the morsing . History In ancient Hinduism Hindu sculpture, painting, and mythology, the mridangam is often depicted as the instrument of choice for a number of deities including Ganesha the remover of obstacles and Nandi bull Nandi , who is the vehicle and companion of Lord Shiva . Nandi is said to have played the mridangam during Shiva s primordial Tandava dance, causing a divine rhythm to resound across the heavens. The mridangam is thus also known as Deva Vaadyam, or Instrument of the Gods. The word mridangam is derived from the two Sanskrit words m da clay or earth and anga body . Early mridangams were indeed made of hardened clay. Over the years, the mridangam evolved to be made of different kinds of wood due to its increased durability, and today, its body is construct ... more details
Encyclopedia
top
