Elathalam

Elathalam (or Ilathalam) is a musical instrument from Kerala in southern India.

It is made completely of bronze and resembles a miniature pair of cymbals, played by holding one part in the left hand and banging the other cymbal against it.

Although small in size, it is thicker than common cymbals, with a distinct chime.

Elathalam is never a lead instrument, but is used in a number of ethnic Kerala percussion ensembles including Panchavadyam, Chenda melam, Thayambaka and Kailaya vathiyam, as well as by a second singer on a Kathakali stage and providing the beat in Kuzhal Pattu and Kombu Pattu.

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