Traditional Modern The Malayalam name udukku or the Tamil Name Udukkai is originated from the Sanskrit word हुडुक्कः (Hudukkaḥ).

[2] The ends of the instrument is covered across the mouth with cured and dried animal hide, goat skin is the preferred leather.

[3] Udukku is commonly played as the percussion accompaniment in temple rituals or in folk culture.

[7][8] It has been reported that Udukku was popular in Jafna, Sri Lanka even during the 9th century AD.

[4] Fingers of the left hand are also used to adjust the tightness by pulling the strings directly.