--- url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-tavil' title: 'What is a tavil?' author: name: rajeevk url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-in/user/fce96177fd193d3a' date: '2026-10-19T15:18:46+00:00' updated: '2026-10-25T18:56:56+00:00' type: website summary: 'The tavil is a double-headed barrel drum from Tamil Nadu, the drum of the periya melam that accompanies the nadaswaram.' tags: - 'Instruments & artforms' image: 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg' published: true og: site_name: KalaSudha 'image:url': 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg' 'image:secure_url': 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg' 'image:type': image/svg+xml 'image:alt': KalaSudha --- FAQ · Instruments & artforms # What is a tavil? Updated 25 October 2026 The **[tavil](/en-in/instrument/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. Was this answer helpful? [ ](/en-in/user/login?flag_anon=faq_helpful-979&destination=/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-tavil) [ ](/en-in/user/login?flag_anon=faq_not_helpful-979&destination=/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-tavil) Thanks for your feedback! ## Related pages 1 page mentions this question ### Instruments (1) - [ Tavil The tavil is the South Indian barrel drum of the periya melam, played beside the nadaswaram at temples and weddings: double-headed, with finger strokes on one… ](/en-in/instrument/tavil) [ Previous question What is a tavil made of? ](/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-tavil-made-of) [ Next question What is a venu? ](/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-venu)