A Journey Through the World of KANJIRA in Chennai - HIDDEN DRUMMERS of INDIA: Part 3

HIDDEN DRUMMERS of INDIA is a three part documentary series on KZbin that explores the world of Carnatic music, and in particular India’s most awesome drum, the kanjira!
During the summers of 2018 and 2019 I spent several weeks traveling through the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu where I met with the most incredible players and immersed myself in the Carnatic tradition.
In part three of Hidden Drummers of India I travel to the coastal city of Chennai, which is the 4th biggest city in India. I meet with senior kanjira artist Shree Sundar Kumar, known as the kanjira man and then with two more incredible kanjira artists Anirudh Athreya and Harihara Sharma. Each taught me a lot about the past, present and future of the kanjira, and the Carnatic music tradition
Check out the AWESOME Kanjira Quartet!
• Kanjira Quartet - Indi...
Shree Sundar Kumar
Kanjira Man Academy
/ 1628145114055520
www.kanjiraman.com
/ bshreesundarkumar
/ bshreesundarkumar
Anirudh Athreya
anirudhathr...
www.thehindu.com/entertainmen...
Harihara Sharma
/ harihara.sharma.3
• Paa - The Musical Jour...
I’m Ruairi Glasheen, and I’m a percussionist, composer and filmmaker based in London.
More about me: www.RuairiGlasheen.net/about
Lets connect on Facebook: / ruairiglasheenmusic
Find me on Instagram: / ruairi_glasheen
Check out my first documentary, Hidden Drummers of Iran:
• HIDDEN DRUMMERS of IRA...
HIDDEN DRUMMERS IS A SERIES OF DOCUMENTARIES THAT GO OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TO EXPLORE AND UNCOVER THE INCREDIBLE WORLD OF RHYTHM! More information at www.HIDDENDRUMMERS.com
Hidden Drummers of India Credits:
Directed, Produced, Photography and Original Music by Ruairi Glasheen
Photography by Yury Sharov
Colour by Gabriel Athanasiou
©Ruairi Glasheen 2020

[@akhilmaru6999]

"Talk to your instrument, one day it will talk to you" Such a great advice for any aspiring musician

[@bodhran]

It was a special moment - thanks for your comment Akhil

[@Ihavenobadintentions]

@@bodhran bro do hindustani musics too

[@Ihavenobadintentions]

There are more drum like musical instruments in Northern and eastern India too. Like there are dhak, dhol, dhamsa madol and tabla etc

[@bodhran]

@@Ihavenobadintentions it’s on the way my friend!

[@Ihavenobadintentions]

@@bodhran the dhak and dhamsa madol instruments specially used in durga puja and chhau dance. Can i sent videos on Instagram to you? What's your I'd?

[@ariellelionessofYah]

“I didn’t take this instrument, this instrument took me”💗 how I feel about whistle and flute💗

[@peacepositivity6870]

I felt the same 🥳

[@bodhran]

Thanks for checking out Part 3 of Hidden Drummers of India - I really hope you enjoyed getting to know these incredible musicians as much as I did! Let me know what you thought of this series in the comments below, and be sure to subscribe to my channel for my next series, which is on the way soon!

[@jagrookdawra]

Thank you for creating this wonderful series. I enjoyed it a lot!

[@tv-bz4vl]

Eagerly awaiting

[@madandu]

During my engineering I got introduced to Kanjira via Tamil movie 'Sangamam' in which songs composed by AR Rehman, Kanjira played by Selva-Ganesh (of Shakti band). Then almost spent entire late 20's-30's listening music based on classical Carnatic, folk. BTW I am from Maharashtra and India overall got fascinating percussion instruments.

[@bodhran]

Wonderful to hear this, and agreed the western states have incredibly rich music,..and drumming traditions. Hopefully I can return one day to learn more. Ruairi

[@PurushNahiMahaPurush]

I feel that a lot of Indians (including myself) are unaware of the the rich traditions of Karnatak music due to lack of good marketing. Hindustani music has been marketed well thanks to old Bollywood songs and iconic musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Zakir Hussein, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, etc. Because of which, it is widely known in not only India but also throughout the world. I hope Karnatak music gains more popularity and patronage from regular masses in the coming years.

[@aryavishwanathan4662]

First learn the name properly, it's carnatic music.

[@virgins7864]

Carnatic Music is famous all across the world, especially Europe. It’s not taken seriously by North Indians because of their shortsightedness.

[@manishreal8095]

MS Subbulakshmi Amma took it to the global stage ❤ and yes I agree should be marketed more in bigger platforms

[@Gauth1990]

It's carnatic not karnatak.

[@icic5]

I love that you didnt water this down and let them express freely. When he gave that spiritual context and then also seeing him go into trance. This show is healing 💖💖💖

[@bodhran]

So glad you enjoyed! Thank you for taking the time to watch and for sharing your kind words- Ruairi

[@naninunna8082]

Yes. He didn't interrupt them..

[@krishnansankaranarayanan1969]

Thanks for the video. I’m in Chennai. I’m planning to go for kanjira class after viewing your video

[@bodhran]

Wonderful Krishnan - so glad to hear it !

[@SanjayBarua]

Just watched all 3 parts of the Docu series, such brilliantly shot and presented. This series deserves so much more!! Brilliant work mate!

[@dharmateja22]

It induces so much energy in you --AWESOME

[@mikenco]

Love this series so far, please keep making more! This should be on TV too!

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the kind words! The magic of KZbin is that it’s here permanently and anyone can watch and share if they enjoy :)

[@athensmajnoo3661]

The content, photography, nerration......... Everything is super👍👍👍 I enjoyed thoroughly.

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much 😀 Thats really kind of you to say🙏

[@attilama5441]

Great job with those documentaries. Keep it up Ruairi. Thx

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the kind words - all the best 🙌

[@marilyngrovesstaff2277]

Fabulous. Such a tiny drum - such a profound sound

[@bodhran]

It really is a unique instrument - I love it!!!

[@premanandt2588]

Really good effort... and this kanjira were used by our tamil cinema music directors since long period... the greatest Maesro Ilayaraja sir used in his many songs... also our Oscar winner AR Rahman sir used always in his songs.. you can search research and find them and highlight those songs... only thru cinema songs... the hidden instruments could be highlighted to our peoples... Thanks for ur excellent documentary... 👍🙏

[@bodhran]

Thats so interesting- will look now! Thanks for the kind words and all the very best- Ruairi

[@rohan.....]

Awesome! I watched all 3 part, very well covered and appreciate.

[@bodhran]

Thank you Rohan - so glad you enjoyed all three parts. Thank you for taking the time to watch and for your kind words. Ruairi

[@rrameshbtech]

This is really a fantastic journey. Loved it!!! Thanks a lot for shedding light on the unsung instrument.

[@bodhran]

So glad you enjoyed it Ramesh 🙏

[@vmjacob123]

So engaging. Documentary of very high standards.Ruairi, your passion is so visible . I am glad that I came across this series.

[@bodhran]

Delighted you enjoyed it Vipin! Thanks for taking the time to write- Ruairi

[@jennytstudentdrummer8857]

I loved this series, you are a brilliant documentary maker and musician of course. I particularly loved your duetting with the outstanding, passionate Indian musicians.

[@bodhran]

Thank you Jenny, so kind of you to write, and I'm really glad you enjoyed the series. 💫

[@dharmaraja41]

What a nice series of episodes!!! Thank you for making it! It takes a special kind of taste to appreciate anything Carnatic, it can’t appeal to everyone . But to those who it does, they find nectar in it. I am glad you’re the lucky one! And thanks for making this wonderful film

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much Sreedar 🙏

[@sweety1012]

cant believe. a man from other part of the world coming here to explore and showing it to us... other part is even we were nt aware of thses many artists ... respect..hats off to this foreigner who came all long way to see the other artists like tht of his own family members

[@amittiwari8224]

Nice to see your all three video about india and indian rythem.. 🤘🤘👍👍 Good luck for your future projects.. be safe.

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much Amit 🙏

[@Hang-san]

I really enjoyed all three parts of this documentary and learnt a lot. Thank you very much.

[@bodhran]

So glad you enjoyed it Hang-san!

[@premanandt2588]

Dear friend... really hats off to your musical journey...

[@sivagurupathamvadivelu680]

Thanks again for this amazing video.

[@bodhran]

Delighted you enjoyed Sivagurupatham 🙏

[@shashijagirdar]

Superb documentary! Thanks so much for visiting and spreading the word 🙏

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the kind words Shashi - so glad you enjoyed!

[@sharkster11]

Ruairi, your expressions are priceless:) Bravo! for making this documentary

[@bodhran]

Delighted you enjoyed! Thanks for taking the time to write Vidhya 🙌🙏

[@XykonOverlord]

Such a fantastic documentary!Their skills truly out of this world.

[@bodhran]

Thanks Avery - I agree, their commitment and talent are off the wall! Thanks for the kind words

[@raakoman]

What a well made documentary. You are true true student of music. And yes, the instrument does choose the truly worthy!

[@bodhran]

It was my privilege to get to work with these incredible musicians, and thank you for taking the time to watch Rajesh 🙌

[@tsaru72]

Everything about this series is just perfect. Sometimes makes me wonder if this series happens to be a visual incarnation of Kanjira. Mr. Glasheen and his videographer nailed it. Bravo 🙏

[@bodhran]

Thank you for the lovely and kind words- I really appreciate it! All the best to you- Ruairi

[@geetaratan5986]

I like the last part of asking the people of khanjira, this will really make us open our eyes and will help in spreading the curiosity of nice instrument Khanjira, hope the GenX will take interest in learning this instrument and by this help you to fulfill your purpose of making this video. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@bodhran]

Yeah! I loved chatting to people, and everyone was so into it, just a case of the word spreading I think 😊

[@_M3gh]

What a series 👏 Loved every bit of it ❤

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much for the kind words- delighted you enjoyed it!

[@vibehandpan6726]

Thank you for this series. I love Indian percussion. I lived in north India as a teenager and studied Bengali Shri Khol but south Indian drums always tingled my heart. I`ve never been to south India and watching these videos took me there to some extent. So thank you and keep up the wonderful journey!

[@bodhran]

Awesome! Thank you for the kind words, and I hope you get to visit and experience the magic in 3D at some point in the future- all the very best! Ruairi

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Really enjoyed the series!! Great Stuff!

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much John- really appreciate you took the time to watch, and delighted you enjoyed it!

[@lottat6420]

I enjoyed this very much and the programme is very well produced! ❤️

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much Lotta! 🙌

[@vinks8458]

the variety of tones which comes from a single instrument played with hand is just amazing

[@bodhran]

I agree!

[@MrMukherG]

Watched all 3 parts , excellent documentary..I got to know and learn a lot..Hope younger generation start picking up traditional Instruments and keep the interest Alive

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much Gaurav - all the very best to you, Ruairi

[@vrt1082]

Watched part 1 and 2. Very nice. It is so heartwarming to see this Irish guy traveling all the way to the remote corners of Bangalore and Chennai, listening and appreciating the music, especially the rare kanjira, attentively listening to some kanjira makers speaking in thamizh even though he didn’t understand a word of it, absorbing only the passion and energy from the speaker. Very inspirational

[@vrt1082]

Wonderful job, Ruairi! Absolutely love your passion, attention to details, and the endless curiosity about percussion. It is contagious!

[@bodhran]

Thank you for such kind words Vijay - so happy you enjoyed the film. It was my privilege to get to meet these incredible musicians and makers.. hopefully I can return one day when its safe, and the time is right. All the best, Ruairi

[@nonaime8052]

Thank you for documenting and sharing this journey my friend, a real pleasure to watch and learn. Greetings from the north

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much for watching 🙏

[@cyb-m]

you need to go to kerala. and see the different kind of percussion instruments there, like Thappu, Mizhavu, Maddalam, Mridangam, Thakil, Thimila, Edakka and Chenda, Kanjira etc. You will love it.

[@bodhran]

I'd love to go!

[@harikappil]

Warm welcome to Kerala

[@grantnixon6068]

What an absolutely inspiring series, showing the diversity and complexity of Indian percussion! Thank you for creating such art and conscious expansion! Looking forward to more series to come! When is the Bodhran and Irish traditional coming next?

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the very kind words Grant, and I'm delighted you enjoyed the series. Ireland, and the bodhrán are very much in the works... watch this space!

[@balachandransambamurthy9096]

Very insightful. Thanks a lot 🙏🙏

[@harikrishnanp2728]

I think you are really blessed and fortunate to get know closely about indian percussion instruments ... Am sure that it will contribute something huge for your future musical expeditions... Lots of love ... 🙂

[@bodhran]

I am blessed and fortunate for sure. Thank you for the kind words 🙏

[@venkatraman9699]

@ Ruairi Glasheen: My apologies for writing a year late. I have seen the three episodes and they are just marvelous; words are not enough to thank you. People like you weave the fabric of our culture( world culture at large), transcending all barriers. With folded hands I bow to you.

[@mukundasai6941]

Enjoyed the 3 parts fully..thanks brother. Your instrument bodhran seems challenging and beautiful brother.

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much for the kind words - R

[@zarbibazar1652]

Thanks you so much for your videos.... Great works

[@bodhran]

Thank you Zarbi - very happy you enjoyed!

[@hrhrae1959]

I'm from Chennai and Bangalore but had no idea this instrument existed. And I've been to the festival in Chennai many times. I'm truly ashamed at my ignorance. But one lives and learns. Today I learned. Great show

[@bodhran]

Delighted you enjoyed the film, and I am also still learning - we never stop learning 🙏🙌⭐️

[@vvenkatak5]

I watched all three parts of this wonderful documentary done with a lot of love, reverence, and dedication enhanced by beautiful photography and in-depth interviews. Even as an ardent fan of Carnatic music, I learned several new details about percussion instruments, especially about the kanjira. As a result of watching the documentary, I’ve taken a special liking to the kanjira and the remarkable artistes who have dedicated their lives to bringing out fascinating rhythms from it. Thank you, Ruairi.

[@bodhran]

Dear Venkat, Thank you so much for taking the time to watch all three episodes, and I'm so glad you enjoyed them. Delighted to read it has ignited an interest in kanjira, and thank you for the very kind words about the documentary. All the very best, Ruairi

[@arvindsubramaniam5912]

it is sad to see this wonderful documentary getting only 46k views :) super proud to have learned to play this instrument.. Kudos Ruairi. Great job mate :)

[@bodhran]

Thanks Arvind! To be honest, I’m just glad anyone has watched! I appreciate the kind words, and feedback. Very best wishes, Ruairi

[@paadipanta2607]

Kanjira find its players, well said. It finds you and spread the word and brings out new learners. Great series.

[@bodhran]

Totally agree! Delighted you enjoyed the series, thanks for writing 🙏

[@chandrakanthrhythms7200]

Thank you for the part 3 Amazing work 😍😍😍😍🙏🙏🙏

[@bodhran]

Very delighted you enjoyed it my friend!

[@chandrakanthrhythms7200]

@@bodhran yeah, waiting for your future plans to explore many rhythms in India

[@my-spinning-wheel]

This is an extraordinary documentary. I have been studying kanjira with a teacher for about a year and it’s a profound instrument.. this includes so much I didn’t know even as a student. Thanks for this

[@bodhran]

Delighted you enjoyed, and thanks for taking the time to watch and leave a nice comment - I really appreciate it!

[@gokul2007007]

So happy I came across this channel. 😊Great work .. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@bodhran]

🙌

[@harithharidas3369]

I really appreciate your love and passion for music.go ahead brother.

[@bodhran]

Thank you for the kind words Harith. 🙏

[@max-andrewmcmillan4235]

I am the drum you are the drum we are the drum. *Baba Olantunji, I had breakfast with Baba many years ago, and he had one, I could not believe the sound he was getting out of it. I have put in an order for a Kanjira, I play tabla, Jimbay, Bodhran, with a Celtic band in the Desert. Thank you so much for the inspiration. Without you I would not have gone for the Kanjira, But something was calling me.

[@ishvara_meditations7654]

Wonderful documentary series Ruairi. :-)

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much for watching, and for your kind words!

[@farshimelt]

Thank you for this whole series. You did a great job and your Bodhran playing is equal to the Kanjira players.

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the kind words George 🌟

[@freethinker6640]

You can come to kerala... There is are amazing art forms like CHENDAMELAM, PANCHAVADYAM, ASHTAPADI....

[@jaswanthkumar9527]

Thank you came across this topic

[@ericboberic]

Nice work, mate. Keep it up!

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the kind words Eric 🙏🙏

[@jkdas]

Good work ! Loved the content and quality of recording too

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much for the kind words 🙌

[@jilpatelyt]

The level of production value is AMAZING, it really need some attention of the people.

[@bodhran]

Thanks for the kind words Odin - this was very much a lockdown project so I had to learn as I went 😅 Really glad you enjoyed, and thanks for taking the time to write. Ruairi

[@jilpatelyt]

@@bodhran I loved it because I play Tabla and Drums as well, Percussion has always been a pleasure for me, somehow couldn’t continue playing, but still enjoy content from artists like you, kudos for the dedication. All the best , keep Playing !!

[@harikappil]

Fantastic effort dear Mr.Ruairi & team... So facinated to watch portraying Ghanjira players of past & present.. Being a hard core fan of Harishankar, a meastro in the carnatic music it is a big tribute to him... Awaiting more from you.. Good luck& best wishes

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much, and delighted you enjoyed the documentary - all the best, Ruairi 🙏

[@vamshijarugumilli6197]

Thank you Good Sir for your compassionate and divine service to Goddess Saraswati. You are role model being an American. You have partaken of the nectar of Indian Music. I praise God (Shiva) for your interest and contribution to the Carnatic World.

[@riteshpalaskar3618]

That's very positive approach in music 🙌 so many khanjira player in Sant Tukaloji Maharaj Hometown Gurukun, Mozari, Maharashtra... Great work 👍

[@yogerishampanirsilvam5035]

I do not really leave comments for the videos that I watch, but your documentary collection has certainly made me want to compliment on your wonderful job. Thank you for bringing the image and uniqueness of Kanjira to a greater height and better appreciation among viewers.

[@bodhran]

Wow, thank you! That is so kind of you to write, and Im truly humbled that you enjoyed my films. Thank you 🙌

[@mariavictoriamormandi6197]

What a wonderful job!

[@bodhran]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@sreekeerthy9217]

Mridangam fan here, I love the justice this documentary is doing to the khanjira and it's players in terms of awareness 🙏

[@bodhran]

Thank you very much - I appreciate the kindness.

[@sanjeevthakur5242]

Your videos are really incredible, your work is great which represent the real stars..

[@bodhran]

Really glad you liked them Sanjeev 🙏

[@MultiSciGeek]

I like the way this is more on the vlog/diary side than a broad documentary of a relatively short one hour running time. It has very good "archive" value! Please continue your journey, and don't forget to cover the modern folk styles as well! For example, in Uttarakhand I heard women sing a typical folk song except the lyrics were about a girl texting a boy from the next village. I found that pretty amusing and underappreciated! Then Bhangra is also undergoing it's own evolution that might be interesting to follow - for example modern "folk" songs in the context of farmer protests, or it strangely being appealing to both the young and the old generations as it combines elements of both styles - electronic and acoustic, which is not the case with say modern Tamil "pop" for the young and very old cinema songs for the old... and so on... you get the point.

[@varunkumar1677]

you really showed the essence of India, I feel bad that I didn't know about this instrument.

[@L3French]

Ok, I understand why you did a whole three-part series on this instrument, there is so much tonal variety in that tiny little drum. I thought it was gonna be basically a Carnatic tambourine but those low tones are crazy. It's like a one-handed drum kit!

[@bodhran]

Yeah! It’s such an awesome instrument 🙏🙌

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome :)

[@sivagurupathamvadivelu680]

Extraordinary

[@guitarguru9222]

Very interesting Documentary about the instrument

[@bodhran]

Thanks Sanjaya!

[@naninunna8082]

Watched three episodes and it's classic 👌.. Please make more videos on instruments ..

[@bodhran]

Thank you Nani - more on the way soon ... 🌎🙏

[@rt0333]

One common thing that I observed across these musicians is a certain sense of selflessness. They are lost in music but possibly very few in life who found their paths.

[@mspm7862]

Lovely series ♡♡♡♡♡

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much 🙌

[@MultiSciGeek]

For all those interested in this type of documentary, please watch The Casteless Collective documentary by Vice. (Also sidenote: damn Arivu has broken some ceilings!)

[@akkibeats8716]

Thanks for such a nice video

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much for watching Akki!

[@nadvani4844]

Talk to your instrument, one day it will talk to you 😊.Thank you Ruairi for opening our eyes and ears to our hidden gems

[@bodhran]

I love that quote! Thanks so much for watching, and for the kind words. All the best, Ruairi

[@pbbhosale9]

I love to you explore music instruments like Khanjira

[@Nissedasapewt42]

I'm so pleased I heard your interview this morning with Mary Anne Hobbs. Without that I'd have never known about your documentaries and work. I've really enjoyed watching this series and your early film about Iran, a country which I too have been lucky enough to visit. I'm looking forward to seeing your future films and have subscribed to the channel.

[@bodhran]

Thanks Charles - so glad you found the film and enjoyed it!

[@madanmohan6591]

Great job.xlnt compilation. Is Selva Ganesh covered

[@rewanshishukla704]

Keep making such content 🙂🙂!!!

[@bodhran]

I will try my best - thanks for watching Rewanshi 🙌

[@TheDrvel]

God bless you, appreciate your eagerness to enhance the knowledge of Indian ancient Carnatic music and the instruments that go with it ,especially the kangeera and existence of the indian percussion instruments like kangeera ,is very ancient , divine , only few artists date to master it , own it and make a name for themselves and make their life ambition come true ,nGod bless them all ,and your wrsrener humble simple curious kind to make efforts to travel thousands of miles ,meet strangers in an unknown cities ,and make yourself at home is mind blowing act not ordinary humans even dare to dream to attempt it ,but you excelled in it , God bless you young man ! TheDrvel London .

[@bodhran]

Thank you for these really kind words - I'm so glad you enjoyed the series, and took the time to write to me. Wishing you the very best, Ruairi

[@kiney0713]

Lovely series.... I just feel that there is too much physical closeness - esp in these pandemic times. Thank you Ruairi, for bringing this niche instrument into some attention-zone.

[@bodhran]

So glad you enjoyed, and thanks for the kind words! All filming took place in 2018 and 2019, well before 2020 so no fear about that. 🙏

[@vamseedharbayekati4976]

Thnank you very much 🙏🙏

[@ProcessInstrumentation]

Watched all 3 parts...Awesome Documentary 👌👌👌Hope you will make same on Tabla😊

[@bodhran]

Thanks so much Akshay for the kind words - I'd love to make a film about Tabla!

[@kpk7607]

Every instrument of india is give message of your soul

[@karthiklakshmi]

Thanks for the excellent work. What Harihara Sharma was alluding to was the caste system in India where Carnatic music was meant for the elite upper caste as it is a bit intellectualized and a bit too devotional (temples tended to host these concerts and hence the repertoire) for most folk.

[@vivek4970]

Thats pride of karnataka shaastriya sangeeta, pride of vijaynagar mahaa saamraajya, we are listening unbelivable beats of the hearts of the sanathana dharma in the great soil protected by protecter of this soil, naada prabhu, saamrat kempegowda, the alive blood in every flush of this soil, a selute the heart playing the kanjara making listening hearts feel shivoham

[@sarathsivaraman4875]

Loved the series Ruairi. You should visit Kerala. We have Chenda , Thappu etc

[@gankyaba]

"Talk to the instrument, one day it will talk to you" - WOW

[@GreyMatterWorks]

Awesome

[@bodhran]

Thank you Neeraj 🙏

[@RR-hl8hq]

Very good!

[@bodhran]

Glad you enjoyed Raghavendra!

[@sanjithsaravanan8469]

wonderful, wonderful documentary. great job. next time, i hope you will also cover the non-carnatic percussion traditions of south india. carnatic has traditionally been the mainstay of temples and to a certain extent, upper class and caste people (like opera in the west). the masses have always had different music traditions - in tamilnadu, most pop music has a lot of drums in it, but these are not carnatic but rather "folk" percussion. a great example is the "parai" - a drum similar to the khajira, but bigger and has cow hide instead of lizard hide. 2 types of sticks are used to play it. the parai osai (rumble of the parai) is always frantic and causes a frenzy. actually, you kind of already saw it - the small boys playing drums in 0:40 to 0:43 were playing the parai. parai music used to be the patronized by the old sangam era (2000+ years ago) kings, but as time went on a wave of sanskritization arrived and the kings started patronizing "vedic" traditions, giving rise to carnatic music and it's status. while parai started to fall in prominence in royal courts, it was still very popular and ubiqutous among the masses. especially, the parai music is played during funerals - people dance to the parai music and celebrate the life of the dead person. as time went on, the people who played this music made this their proffesion, and they became their own caste - "paraiyar". people slowly started to connect the members of this caste with death, hence they became "unclean" and untouchable. hence began the true demise of parai as it and it's players were seen not with appreciation but open disgust. FUN FACT - the english word pariah comes from the caste name paraiyar. but in the recent 40-50 years, folk drums such as parai have gained popularity to the level of becoming ubiquitous in "kuthu" (beat) songs in pop culture. the influence of kuthu songs in tamil society means that parai has slowly lost it's "disgust" factor and has overshadowed the reputation of carnatic instruments. it is seen as a honourable instrument of the oppresed and the masses - something to be proud of hope you cover this great instrument sometime in the future!

[@bodhran]

Thank you so much for your comment Sanjith, and words of wisdom. Your right, there is so much more to the music of this region, and really my film barely touched the iceberg of one type of music. I’m always learning, and I’d love to learn more about the Parai Osai - it sounds fascinating to me! 🙏

[@sanjithsaravanan8469]

@@bodhran thank you, ruari, for the great interest and passion you have for this field. youtube needs more people like you. all the best and wish you ever more success (god i sound like a grandpa, but really, all the best)

[@Omsuriya7]

Thank you...

[@bodhran]

Thank you for watching 🙏

[@n.krishnarao2128]

Apart from.. Mridamgam..Ghatamm..Kanjeera..Dolu..Mohrsing....from sound India. Dholak..Tabla..Naubat...from north. A part from those ...a very rare instruments called.. "Jowku". .and Dhamarukamm...which gives extraordinary sounding....

[@bodhran]

I'm going to have a look now - thanks for sharing that!

[@mohan7580]

very good documentary. i recently visited this one. excellent. suggest you one other miracle drum. "IDAKKYA" from kerala. experts can play songs with this instrument as they can make all sounds by this . ONLY ONE DRUM IN THE WORLD CAN USED TO SING A SONG..

[@SlyHikari03]

Kanjira is pretty neat. It’s like a tiny Bodhrán.