தவில்
तविल
கோயில் கொண்டாட்டத்தின் இயக்கு சக்தி
தவில் என்பது தென்னிந்திய கோயில் சடங்குகளில் நாதஸ்வரத்துடன் இணைந்து வாசிக்கும் பீப்பாய் முரசு ஆகும், வெளிப்புற ஊர்வல சூழல்களில் சக்திவாய்ந்த திட்டத்திற்காக விரல் கட்டைவிரல்களுடன் வாசிக்கப்படுகிறது.
இசைக்கருவியை அறிந்துகொள்ளுங்கள்
இசைக்கருவி வழிகாட்டியில் அதன் ஒலி, அமைப்பு, பராமரிப்பு பற்றி அறியுங்கள்.
History & Evolution
No source fixes when the tavil arose. The organologist B. Chaitanya Deva offers a conjecture: that its bulging body follows an ancient Indian drum shape named after the myrobalan fruit. He also notes how close the word tavil sits to the Arabic tabl and the Turkish davul, and records that the drum is said to have been cylindrical before it took its present barrel form.
Its players came from hereditary musician communities. C. R. Day's 1891 survey names the Telugu-speaking Mangalavandlu as the community that formed the periya melam, a band distinct from the chinnamela of the dancers. The musicologist P. Sambamoorthy notes that such musicians held posts in the establishments of temples, mutts (monasteries of Hindu orders) and rajas. R. Nandakumar, writing on how the nadaswaram has been heard, traces an old prejudice against that instrument partly to its loud, rhythmic playing with the tavil.
- Medieval Period
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Temple Origins
Barrel drums develop in South Indian temple contexts. The tavil emerges as the rhythmic partner to the nadaswaram in temple worship and processions.
- 17th - 19th Century
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Hereditary Tradition
Hereditary musician communities (melakkaran) maintain tavil-nadaswaram traditions. Temple and court patronage supports the ensemble's ceremonial role.
- 20th Century
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Tradition Evolves
Social changes affect hereditary musician communities. The tradition adapts through formal instruction alongside family lineages.
- Late 20th Century - Present
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Contemporary Practice
Concert presentations and international collaborations expand the tavil's reach. Ceremonial practice continues alongside new contexts.
Technical Aspects
Stick and fingers
In standard practice the right hand plays the right head with fingers and wrist, and the left hand strikes the left head with a short, thick stick. S. Krishnaswami and P. Sambamoorthy's catalogue for the Madras museum both give the stick to the left hand. Krishnaswami calls the right head very tight, though it is tuned to no definite pitch.
Barrel Construction
The shell is carved from a single log of jackwood. Deva gives a typical tavil as about 40 cm long and 35 cm across the middle, against 55 to 60 cm long for the mridangam. The heads stretch over hoops of bundled bamboo, joined by leather braces that also circle the shell. Deva notes a paste often applied inside the head, where the mridangam carries its black karanai outside.
Standing and Seated Play
For open-air playing the tavil hangs from the player's shoulders on a strap, of cloth or leather by different accounts, and is brought round to the front so the player can stand and walk. This lets the periya melam lead processions honouring temple deities. The drum can also be played seated.
தேர்ச்சிக்கான பயணம்
இந்தக் கலைப் பிரிவில் தேர்ச்சி பெற இந்த முறையான பயணத்தைப் பின்பற்றுங்கள்
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Position and Basic Strokes
Learn to wear and adjust the carrying strap for standing play. Master thimble fitting and basic right-hand strokes. Develop left-hand bass technique.
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Projection and Stamina
Develop the powerful, projecting articulations required for outdoor performance. Master thimble technique for speed and clarity. Build the stamina needed for extended services.
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Ceremonial Repertoire
Study the rhythmic patterns used in temple services and processions. Learn appropriate patterns for different ceremonial contexts. Develop the traditional repertoire.
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Nadaswaram Accompaniment
Master ensemble coordination with nadaswaram. Learn to follow melodic cues while maintaining rhythmic foundation. Develop the sensitivity required for ceremonial accompaniment.
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Concert Performance
Develop virtuosic technique for solo passages and concert presentation. Study extended rhythmic compositions. Master performance beyond purely ceremonial contexts.
அடிக்கடி கேட்கப்படும் கேள்விகள்
How can a beginner, a child or a returning drummer start learning the tavil, the drum of the periya melam?
You can start the tavil with KalaSudha online or in a workshop, and beginners begin at Foundation level. Foundation covers playing seated and standing with a shoulder strap, and the traditional hold: fingers on the right head, a stick in the left hand. We teach children as well as adults, so ask us about a starting age and about a drum size for a younger learner.
Returning after a long break, you start again where you left off. Our courses run in levels, and your teacher reviews where you stand first.
Have more questions? Contact our support team and we'll be happy to help!