Udukkai
இந்தப் பக்கத்தை தமிழில் வாசிக்க: உடுக்கை
Udukkai is a percussion instrument used in performing folk arts like Udukkaipaatu and Villupaatu. It is also used in several ritual arts such as Peiyottal, Kurisolludhal. It is known as Udukku or Thudi.
Design
It is shaped like an hour glass, tapering towards the centre and played on both sides. The Udukkai used in Villupaatu is known as 'Sithudukkai' (Sittrudukkai). Its body is usually made of bronze or brass. Udukkai made from carved out wood from the jackfruit tree is also found in Tamil Nadu. It is also said that there were Udukkai made of clay in Tamil Nadu.
The mouth of the Udukkai is made of cured cow hide on both ends 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 strings are inserted. The udukkai thattugal are tightened and held in place by means of these strings. A cloth strip is wrapped around the strings knots at the tapering centre of the Udukkai.
Performing Method
The Instrument is held with the left hand by grasping the cloth strip that wraps the string knots at the centre. The right-hand fingers are used to strike one of the sides. 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 tender cane and cow hide.
Performing Groups
Udukku is used as the major percussion instrument in performing arts such as, Udukkaipaatu and Villupaatu. It is used in other folk arts as supporting instrument. Udukkai is also used in ritualistic performing arts such as Peiyottal and Kurisolludhal.
The Ayyappan Paatu, which is performed for the Ayyappan in Sabarimalai in Kerala, is performed with Udukkai as the main percussion instrument. Few sources tell us that Udakkai had been a popular musical instrument at Yaalpaanam, Srilanka, during the 9th century CE.
References
- Thamilaga Nattar Nigalthu Kalaigal - A.K. Perumal
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