Mridangam

The mridangam (Sanskrit: मृदंगम्, मृदङ्गं, Tamil: மிருதங்கம், Telugu: మృదంగం, Kannada: :ಮೃದಂಗ, Malayalam: മൃദംഗം ) is a percussion instrument from India of ancient origin. It is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in a Carnatic music ensemble. Alternate spellings include "mrudangam", "mrdangam", "mrithangam", "miruthangam", and "mirudhangam".

The mridangam is also played in Carnatic concerts in countries outside of India, including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. During a percussion ensemble, the mridangam is often accompanied by the ghatam, kanjira, and the morsing.