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title: 'What is a mridangam?'
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summary: 'The mridangam is a double-headed barrel drum, the principal percussion of Carnatic music, played across the lap with hands and fingers.'
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  FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is a mridangam?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 The **[mridangam](/instrument/mridangam)** is a double-headed barrel drum and the principal percussion instrument of Carnatic music in South India. It accompanies vocal and instrumental music and South Indian classical dance. The wooden shell bulges at the middle. The player sits with the drum horizontal across the lap and strikes both heads with the hands and fingers.



 

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