Idakka facts for kids

The idakka (pronounced ee-DAK-ka) is a special drum from Kerala, a state in south India. It's shaped like an hourglass, which means it's wider at the top and bottom and narrower in the middle. The word "idakka" itself means "in the middle" in the Malayalam language. This unique drum is an important part of traditional music and performances in Kerala.

The Idakka Drum

What is the Idakka?

The idakka is a type of drum called a membranophone. This means it makes sound from a vibrating membrane, or drumhead. It looks a bit like another Indian drum called the damaru. However, the idakka is played differently. The damaru is usually shaken, making small beads hit its sides. The idakka, on the other hand, is played with a stick.

How is the Idakka Played?

Playing the idakka is quite interesting. The musician hangs the drum over their left shoulder. The right side of the drum is then gently tapped with a thin stick that has a curved end. This stick helps to create the drum's unique sounds.

Sound and Pitch

One of the most special things about the idakka is that its sound can be changed while playing. The drum has laces or ropes in its middle section. By squeezing these laces, the musician can change the tension of the drumheads. This allows them to bend the pitch, making the sound go higher or lower. This ability to change pitch makes the idakka very expressive and versatile in music.

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  VIdwan Shri. Tripunithura Krishnadas is an Indian musician and a well-known edaykkya (or Idakka or edakka) and chenda artist from Kerala.