FAQ · Instruments & artforms
What is a tavil?
Updated
The tavil, also spelt thavil, is a double-headed, barrel-shaped drum associated with Tamil Nadu. It is the drum of the periya melam, the South Indian temple ensemble led by the nadaswaram. It is used in temple music, Carnatic music and folk music, and with the nadaswaram it counts as an auspicious instrument at temple rituals and Hindu weddings.