Chande

The chande is a drum used in the traditional and classical music of South India and particularly in Yakshagana theatre art of Karnataka. It follows the Yakshagana Tala system. The rhythms are based on pre-classical music forms and folk grooves, and some rhythms are similar to Karnataka Sangeta and to lesser extent Hindustani Sangeetha. There are different varieties of this instrument; two major varieties being the Badagu Thittu Chande (Northern School) and the Thenku Thittu Chande (Southern School). The latter can also be spelled chenda and is used exclusively in the art forms of southern costal Karnataka and Kerala. This article deals with Badagu Thittu Chande, used exclusively in Yakshagana of Karnataka. The chande used in Badagu Thittu is structurally and acoustically different from the chenda used in Kerala.

History

In ancient Hindu sculpture, painting, and mythology, the chande is often depicted as the instrument used to declare war (rana chande - war drum). This instrument can produce complicated rhythms that can be heard from more than 3 km. However Chande is the relatively recent addition to Yakshagana orchestra. It is believed it came to be used since 150 or so years ago.