Pranam Examples of ancient drums trace back millennia throughout Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Drums and cymbals—the basis of the modern drum set <https://www.masterclass.com/articles/drum-kit-guide>—are visible in bas-reliefs of ancient Greece and Syria, in relief sculpture from ancient Mesopotamian and Sumerian society, and in artifacts of neolithic China. All throughout the globe, humans found ways to fashion drum heads from animal skins.
- Origins of percussion instruments: Among the earliest known examples of percussion instruments are idiophones made from mammoth bones found in present-day Belgium. These instruments are thought to date from 70,000 B.C. and are idiophones, which means they produce sound via the vibration of the entire instrument. - Origins of the frame drum: The kinds of drums used by today's drummers have precursors in the musical instruments of ancient Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. These cultures used frame drums—drum heads stretched over a shallow wooden frame—that were the forebears of twentieth century snare drums <https://www.masterclass.com/articles/snare-drum-guide> and tom-toms <https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-tom-tom-drums>. Once those drums were built, idiomatic drumming techniques and drum sounds emerged within each culture. - Origins of classical drums: The drum history of Europe traces its roots to early Middle Eastern traditions. The kettle drums (timpani) of European classical music likely came from Egyptian and Turkish cultures. The classical bass drum also has its roots in the Ottoman empire. - Origins of the drum kit <https://masterclass.com/articles/drum-kit-guide>: The five-piece drum kit that helped shape American jazz and rock music contains drums adapted from European classical instruments. The kick drums <https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kick-drum-basics> and double bass drums of today's popular music come from classical bass drums. The snare drums used by rock, pop, and jazz drummers alike come from the side drums of marching bands. - Origins of the modern five-piece drum kit: The modern drum kit as we know it likely traces to early twentieth century New Orleans, where jazz drummers like Warren "Baby" Dodds assembled a drum set using classical instruments. Some of these instruments had to be modified, such as the bass drum: In classical music the drummer plays it with handheld mallets, but in popular music the drum rests on the floor and the drummer plays it with a bass drum pedal. The foot pedal as we know it is credited to a single inventor—William F. Ludwig of the Ludwig Drums company. - DRUMS BEAT WAS EVOLVED FROM THE NATURE OF THUNDER AS WELL AS FROM THAT OF RHYTHMIC HEART BEATS. - DRUM WAS THE SOUND DERIVED TO DRIVE AWAY THE FEAR FROM THE KILLING OF THE ANIMALS; AND THAT DEAD ANIMAL SKIN WERE USED AS A DRESS AND DRUMS. - Drums made with alligator skins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alligator_drum> have been found in Neolithic cultures <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neolithic_China> located in China, dating to a period of 5500–2350 BC. In literary records, drums manifested shamanistic characteristics and were often used in ritual ceremonies. The bronze Dong Son drum <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dong_Son_drum> was fabricated by the Bronze Age <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_Age> Dong Son culture <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dong_Son_culture> of northern Vietnam. They include the ornate Ngoc Lu drum <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ngoc_Lu_drum>. Macaque monkeys <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaque_monkey> drum objects in a rhythmic way to show social dominance <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Dominance_Theory> and this has been shown to be processed in a similar way in their brains to vocalisations, suggesting an evolutionary origin to drumming as part of social communication.] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum#cite_note-5> Other primates <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primate> make drumming sounds by chest beating or hand clapping and rodents such as kangaroo rats <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo_rat> also make similar sounds using their paws on the ground. Drums are used not only for their musical qualities, but also as a means of communication <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drums_in_communication> over great distances. The talking drums of Africa are used to imitate the tone patterns of spoken language. Throughout Sri Lankan history <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Sri_Lanka> drums have been used for communication between the state and the community, and Sri Lankan drums have a history stretching back over 2500 years. Mattalam refers to “drums”, as defined in Cilappatikāram: an ancient epic authored by Ilango Adigal representing an important piece of Tamil literature.—In the orchestra, flute was followed by *yal* (stringed musical instrument); *yal* was followed by *mattalam* (drums); *mattalam* was followed by *kuṭamula* (a kind of wind instrument). Mula was followed by *āmantirikai* (kind of drum). The above mentioned instruments blended with each other. *Mattalam* is so called because ‘*ma?* ' is the sound; ‘*talam*’ is the basis of all musical instruments, hence this is the basis of all drums. *Callikai* is so called because it has the sound like ‘*caV. Avanci, kutukkai* and *itakkai* mean the same (kind of drum). It is called ‘Avanct’ because it is covered with the hides of the cow. The meaning of *vancittol* is not clear. *Kutukkai* refers to its form. It is called ‘itakkai’ because it is played upon with the left hand. ‘*Karatikai*’ is so called because it sounds like the noise raised by the bear. What is first played upon is the *mattalam* and, therefore, it is the first instrument. That which comes in the midale is the ‘*calli*’ which is the ‘*itaikkaruvi’. ‘Utukkai*’ comes in for the closing beat and hence it is called ‘*kataikkaruvi*’. The differentiation of these into the inner and the outer, the inner-outer and the outer-outer is probably based upon the possibility of tuning them, the inner is what is completely tuned and musical like the *mrdanga* or *mattala <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/mattala#hinduism>*; the outer-outer is what is completely non-musical and nothing but noisy like the funeral drum; the others come in between. Dr. Raghavan considers this as *akam <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/akam#hinduism>* and *puram <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/puram#history>*. The commentator enumerates all the drums: *Perikaiy patakam, itakkai, utukkai, mattalam, callikai, karatikai, timilai, kutamula, takkai, kanapparai, tamarukam, tannumai, tatari, antari, mulavu, cantiravalaiyam, montai, muracu, kanvitu tumpu, nicalam, tutumai, ciruparai, atakkam, takuniccam, viraleru, pflcam, upankam, nalikaipparai, tuti* and *perumparai*. He quotes a verse containing these names as his authority. The names of some of these are as old as the *Cankam <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/cankam#history>* age and occur in *Malaipatukatam <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/malaipatukatam#history>: Mulavu, akuli <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/akuli#purana>, pantil, (cymbal), kotu, kalirruyirttumpu, kuruntumpu, kulal <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kulal#hinduism>, tattai, ellari* and *patalai*. Naccinarkkiniyar explains these: ‘*Akuli*’ is ‘*ciruparai’; ‘Kotu*’ is the horn; “*Kalirruyirttumpu*” is the big ‘*tumpu*’ of the shape of the elephant’s trunk and sounding like its deep breath; ‘*Tattai*’ is *'karatikai’; ‘Ellari *is ‘*calli’; ‘Patalai*’ is the ‘*kinai*’ beaten on one side. ‘*Pili <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/pili#purana> *(line 5) is counted by Dr. Swaminatha Aiyar as a separate drum on the basis of Arurar Tevaram—‘*Vilikkum Talaippili*’. Arurar’s reference to these musical instruments may be better understood in the light of *kutapa vinyasa*. “You dance standing and singing in accompaniment to the musical harmony of *takkai, tannumai, talam* (perhaps cymbal), *vinai, takuniccam, kinai, callari, kokkarai, kuta mulavu”, *so sings Arurar, emphasizing the harmony of the music and dance, in the best traditions of *Natya* art. Here, one finds names of drums, not mentioned in the list of *Atiyarkkunallar. Kinai* is the old *Cankam* drum, and is probably *tatari. Callari* is *callikai*. We have already referred to *kotukotti <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kotukotti#hinduism>* coming in accompaniment to *vinai. *. In another place, Arurar speaks of Shiva enjoying probably as the Dancer’ the *kokkarai, kotukotti* and *tattalakam*, all of which sound intermittently and the *tuntumi*, and *kutamula*, which are beaten and to the tune of which the songs are sung. The tuning of *multi*, so as to harmonize with the song is referred to, as is made clear in *Cilappatikaram. Tattalakam* is not in the list given above. *Pinkalantai* speaks of ‘Tattala *pancamam*’ as a tune. Perhaps *Tattalam* is a drum of the *marutam <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/marutam#hinduism>* like ‘*kinai’. ‘Kokkarai*’ is explained by *Tivakaram* as conch. *Tevaram* speaks of *kokkarai* as keeping time—‘*Talamali kokkarai’, *Conch is described under *Talavadyas* in Sanskrit works. *Multi* is the basis and the Common name. Arurar speaks of ‘*Paraiyar mulavam*’— ‘the *mulavam* which is accompanied by all the drums or *parai <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/parai#hinduism>* or the *multi* which is full of sound and of ‘mani <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/mani#shaivism> *multi*’, the beautiful *mula. *The harmony of the drums and the flute to the sound of the song and the heroic anklet resounding in harmony is spoken of by Arurar *Patam-pakkam* is also mentioned as a musical instrument. Probably it is ‘ *odkam*: c.f. *Cilappatikaram* commentary; c.f. *Viraleru* palcam. *Patam* is probably the hood-like mark made by the beating with the fingers, —“*Paitta pampin tutti <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/tutti#hinduism> eypp-k-kai-k kaca <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kaca#purana>-tirunta en kannakal tatari”. ‘Montai*’ is an earthen vessel and a drum is made of it by covering it with a skin, very much like the modern ‘*catti-p parai*’. It is mentioned above in the list. The form of the word as found in *Tevaram* is ‘ *montai’. *The musical instruments ‘*Yal*’, and ‘*Vinai*’ are also mentioned. (Duraiswamy iyer on Thevaram ). KR IRS 6122 On Thu, 6 Jan 2022 at 06:55, 'gopala krishnan' via iyer123 < iyer...@googlegroups.com> wrote: > DRUM > > The word Drum has two meanings. The first meaning is a percussion > instrument sounded by being struck with sticks or the hands, typically > cylindrical, barrel-shaped, or bowl-shaped, with a taut membrane over one > or both ends. > > Second meaning is a cylindrical container or receptacle. > > Today I was cleaning and keeping the new drum below the outer stair case. > The drum is used to collect water supplied by Municipality in summer. I > thought I may write about both drums. > > Sincerely, > > Gopalakrishnan 6-1-2022 > > *1. Drum as a percussion instrument.* > > Earlier times the drums were mostly played in the temple and during > auspicious functions in palaces. Later period they were played in homes for > auspicious functions. They were also played for special general functions. > But certain instruments like Edaikka, thimila etc. were used only used in > temples. > > Probably in Kerala with Nagaradhana(serpent worship) in Kavu, drums > started playing in Kavu (Small forest area in homes having snakes) > > Now all the instruments are played in public also. Edaikka is used > nowadays to play with music also in TV performances. > > In Tamilnadu for inauspicious function also one sided flat drum is played. > Periodically conch, a wind instrument is also blown. In Kerala conch is > very sacred. However on reading about epic Mahabharata, conch was played > during war also. For royal family deaths the drum was beaten at > different stages of the burning body in my boyhood days. I am not sure > whether it is followed now. > > *2. Use in general functions* > > The drum called uruttu chenda is played during house warming, shop > opening, marriage hall opening and general functions. This drum is > cylindrical and played on one side, though it is fitted with leather on > both sides. Recently I read the bottom of the drum cannot be played, the > leather used is different. > > In my boyhood days film placards were taken along road. One man played the > uruttu chenda before him. Now no such playing. > > *3. Marar community and playing drums* > > In Kerala a special community by name marar is mostly playing drums in > temples. Other communities playing drums are kurup, poduval, Panikkar, who > are all are ambalavasi community. They play for auspicious functions in > homes also. Similarly in Tamilnadu a sect of Vaisya community play drums in > temples and auspicious functions in homes. > > *4. Other functions* > > For other functions any community person plays drums in Kerala. In > Tamilnadu special community persons play one-sided drums during death. They > also play conch and chengala. > > *4a. Restrictions in playing drums.* > > In homes drums should not be played unnecessarily. It would bring poverty > and accidents to people. Generally those playing drums will not permit > others to touch it. *Drum players for practice and testing can play drums > in their homes. * > > *5 Drums in homes* > > Drums are used in homes to store water mostly during summer. Now double > sheathed drums are available in shops in different sizes. Smaller size > drums called water canes are used to keep water for drinking. For different > works medium size drums are used. > > *6 Drums in work place* > > Large size drums are used by contractors to store water at construction > places. Mostly these are iron drums. > > *7. Drums for carrying Chemicals* > > For carrying chemicals special fibre drums double sheathed with double > caps are used. Earlier acids were carried in sealed clay jars. Now they are > transported in fibre canes. > > *8 Bitumen drums* > > Bitumen drums are iron drums and are discarded after work generally. > However during work the empty drums are used as dividers, blocking road > etc. > > *9. Kerosene drums* > > In ration shops kerosene is kept in large drums and pumped and taken to > small drums for distribution. > > *10 RO water* > > In most homes in Tamilnadu RO waste water is stored in large drums. It is > used to wash outside areas like portico, watering plants when scarcity of > water is there. Normally these are single sheathed medium quality drums. > > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "iyer123" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to iyer123+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/193980310.1490584.1641432296719%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/193980310.1490584.1641432296719%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to thatha_patty+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZooYLWikD2Nnbqsza81-tSSOwFvzbBUSZAoKHCB7VVkX9w%40mail.gmail.com.
