Maddalam of Palakkad

Maddalam of Palakkad is the musical instrument known as maddalam produced by artisans located in Palakkad District in Kerala. Maddalam is a percussion instrument used extensively in Temples of Kerala. The shape of Maddalam is similar to that of Mridangam. But there are differences in their playing and construction. Generally three types of Maddalam are found and used in Kerala namely Toppi Maddalam, Vira Maddalam and Suddha Maddalam. All
the three types of Maddalam are tied round the waist for playing. They are all produced by the artisans of Palakkad. A small number of artisans of Palakkad over several generations have acquired the necessary skills to make these musical instruments. Peruvembu village in Palakkad District is the production centre of maddalam and maddalam is produced only in this village. The materials used for the production of maddalam are the trunk of jack tree, leather and adhesives.
As per an application filed by Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, "Maddalam of Palakkad" has been granted Registration in Part A in respect of Maddalam - Musical Instruments falling in Class - 15 under Sub-section (1) of Section 13 of Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 with effect from 30 November 2015.

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