The madal is a popular folk drum and one of the most iconic musical instruments of Nepal. Crafted from wood or metal with goatskin stretched across the drumhead, the madal produces a deep reverberating sound when played. This barrel-shaped double-headed drum ranges in size from small to large, the smaller madals are typically used to keep the rhythm in Nepali folk songs and dances.
Madals are played with the hands and fingers, allowing both sides of the drum to be struck or simultaneously played with an integrated technique to produce complex percussive patterns. The madal's popularity extends across Nepal from the Terai plains to the Himalayan mountains, used in cultural events, religious ceremonies, social gatherings, folk theater, and more.
Skilled madal players keep the vibrant sounds of the instrument alive as they pass down rhythms through traditional practice and memory rather than notation. With efforts to revive interest in Nepali performing arts, the distinct beat of the madal promises to continue resonating proudly as a mainstay of cultural heritage.
Types of Madals:
- Madaal - The most common type. Played with hands and fingers to produce rhythms.
- Khin - Smaller madal, makes sharp trembling sounds suited for fast beats.
- Pashchima - Larger barrel madal mainly played in Western Nepal music. Produces loud, booming sounds.
- Dhaa/Dholak - A two-sided madal played strapped around the neck when standing. Bigger in size to give deep resonating bass beats.
Significance in Culture:
- An integral part of Nepali folk songs and dances like lok geet, jhyaure dance, sorathi, Tamang selo, etc.
- Used in classical music forms - dhime dhime chanting, panche baja, and devotional music like bhajan, aarati.
- Part of cultural events like jatra theater, rudri/ruai dance drama, bhailo folk songs performed in festivals.
- Often accompanies religious rituals, weddings, and funeral processions in communities.
Making of Madals:
- Craftsmanship is passed down generations through caste groups like Ranjits, Kusles, and Pariyars.
- Made from wood of mango, cedar, black catechu, or metal sheets/cast for the body.
- Goatskin processed to make the drumhead stretched across the top.
- Intricate hand-painted designs, and tassels for decoration based on regional styles.
Learning and Playing Techniques:
- Madal rhythms and beats are taught verbally through the Guru-Shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition)
- No formal notation used - the oral tradition of memorizing a vast repertoire of folk tunes
- Two main playing styles - Sitarkhani (using fingers) and Gothkhani (using wrists/hands)
- Complex rhythms like Chitrakar, and Nikrant require great sync between left and right hands
- Expressive flourishes are done using waves, circles, dots, and claps between madal strokes
Evolution and Innovation:
- The advent of electronic sounds led to innovations like Electric Madal with amplifier and effects
- Tuning bolts allow precise pitch changes, blending with modern ensembles easier
- Fusion with Western drums, and Latin percussions create experimental contemporary styles
- Yet, the simple acoustic madal continues to retain its universal emotional appeal
Cultural Revival:
- Efforts by folk art academies to promote madal in youth through training programs
- Top madal performers striving to preserve traditional rhythms via albums, concerts
- Aspiring madal players even overseas learning through dedicated YouTube tutorials
- Iconic madal sounds hopeful to survive in Nepal's rich soundscape for next generations
Spiritual Symbolism:
- Two sides represent cosmic duality - male/female, good/evil, yin/yang
- The black spot in the center signifies primordial seed-originating creation
- Drum skin is said to be made from the skin of the primal being Pashupatinath
- Rhythmic madal beats invoke trance states during shamanic healing rituals
- The madal form symbolizes the circle of life - no beginning, no end
Future and Outlook:
- Online madal tutorials, and e-learning portals enabling global reach
- Aspiring professional madal players pushing technical boundaries
- Grassroots support growing with madal circle groups and competitions
- Hopes are high for madal sounds to thrive both classically and in creative expressions