Udukkai
இந்தப் பக்கத்தை தமிழில் வாசிக்க: உடுக்கை
Udukkai is an ancient, leathered instrument. It is used in performing folk arts such as, “Udukkaipaatu”, “Villupaatu”. It is also used in faith-based performing arts such as “Peiyottal”, “Kurisolludhal”. It is known as “Udukku” or “Thudi”.
Design
It is a two-headed instrument with wide heads and a narrow center region. The Udukkai used in Villupaatu is known as “Sithudukkai” (Sittrudukkai). Its body is usually made of bronze or brass. In Tamil Nadu, we also get Udukkai which are made by churned wood. These wooden Udukkai from Tamil Nadu are made from the wood of jackfruit tree. It is also said that there were Udukkai made of clay in Tamil Nadu.
The two plates in the two heads of the Udukkai is made of cow skin membranes that are attached to rings built with a thin cane bent in a circular shape. This is called as “Udukkai Thattugal”. Each ring has six holes in it through which thread ropes are inserted. The two plates in the heads of the Udukkai (Udukkai Thattugal) are held in place by means of this thread rope. A cloth strip is wrapped around the knitted thread rope in the left side of the Udukkai.
Performing Method
The Instrument is held with the left hand by grasping the cloth strip that wraps the thread rope of the central part. The right-hand fingers are used to strike the playing side. The variations in sound while playing the instrument is created by tightening or releasing the cloth strip. The rhythm pattern of Udukkai is known as “Sol Kattu”.
Components of the Instrument
The body of Udukkai is made of bronze or brass. In Tamil Nadu, it is also made with the wood of jackfruit tree. It is said that there were Udukkai made of clay in Tamil Nadu.
Udukku Thattugal is made of thin cane and cow skin membrane.
Performing Groups
Udukku is used as musical instrument in performing arts such as, “Udukkaipaatu” and “Villupaatu”. It is used in other folk arts as supporting instrument. Udukkai is also used as the musical instrument in faith-based performing arts such as “Peiyottal”, “Kurisolludhal”.
The Ayyappan Paatu, which is performed for the Ayyappan in Sabarimalai in Kerala, is performed with Udukkai’s rhythm. It is found in few sources that Udakkai had been a popular musical instrument at Yaalpaanam, Srilanka, during the 9th century BC.
References
- Thamilaga Nattar Nigalthu Kalaigal - A.K. Perumal
