The idakka (Malayalam: ഇടയ്ക്ക) is a drum shaped like an hourglass from Kerala in southern India. It is similar to the damaru, a drum found across India. The damaru is played by shaking knotted cords against the drum's surfaces, while the idakka is played with a stick. Both drums can change pitch by squeezing the lacing in the middle. The idakka is hung over the left shoulder, and the right side is lightly tapped with a stick that has a curved end. It is used in temples and during performances like Kathakali and Mohiniattam, which are traditional Indian dances.

Etymology

The Malayalam word "idaykka" or "idakka" comes from the Sanskrit word "Śrīḍhakkā." In Sanskrit, a "ḍhakkā" is a type of drum that makes a "ḍhak" sound. A Sanskrit text describes this sound as deep and resonant. The word "Śrī" is a special prefix used in Sanskrit to show that something is holy or meaningful.

Construction

The idakka has two circular drumheads, each attached to a circular ring. The hourglass-shaped body is placed between the two drumheads. Strings are used to pull the rings together, stretching each drumhead over an open end of the body. Strings made of natural fibers are placed across the open ends of the drum body, under each drumhead. It is common for the drumheads to have a larger diameter than the body, which causes them to be often positioned off-center.

Acoustics

The idakka is a small drum that produces a high-pitched sound with a specific tone. The strings beneath the drum's surface work with the vibrating membrane to create a clear and consistent pitch. By tightening or loosening the strings around the drum, the tension on the stretched skin changes, which alters the pitch of the instrument.