Learn Madal

The Madal (Nepali: मादल), double-headed drum of Nepalese origin (of the Membranophone family), used mainly for rhythm-keeping in Nepalese folk music, is the most popular and widely used hand drum in Nepal.The Madal consists of a cylindrical body with a slight bulge at its center, closed on both ends (the sides are often referred to as "heads", one head is smaller than the other).
The madal has a strand that goes around the waist of the person playing it to hold it horizontally . Playing technique involves rhythmic struck one either ends(heads) with palm. The heads vibrate to produce sound when struck.
This typical Nepalese percussion instrument is the backbone of most of Nepali folk music. The well-known Nepali musician Ranjit Gazmer introduced this instrument to Bollywood music, when he started working under Rahul Dev Burman, now a days madal has become world famous folk instrument.
History
It originated from Magar community of Nepal. However everybody all over Nepal use it. For example, it has been said that the Madal was played at Buddha's wedding.
Nomenclature /Structure and Construction:The ancient name of Madal was Mardal (मर्दल in Nepali).Typically, a wooden log is carved so as to form a hollow cavity, called Ghar (घार). The two opposite openings are covered with stabled stone or wood. The stone or wood on either head also consists of a black inner concentric circle. This layer is made up of a black substance known as Khari (खरी), which is the powdered mixture of Kansh (काँश) and Kit (किट). This black substance give the wood or stone weight and cause the tone to reverberate like a low pitched bell. The heads are not of the same size; the larger and the smaller heads are often referred to as male and female respectively The madal's other feature are the strands that overlay the central body. These strands, also made up of stabled wood or stone, are used to tune the instrument. At the end of the making it is played beautifully!
Contact him : [email protected] --- Learn basic Madal a Nepali folk music instrument from Mr Parsuram. He is genius, plays Madal and Tabla both . I met him at Kathmandu and learnt Madal from him for 5 days April 2012 and enjoyed his Band's performance called Sampada ( The heritage ) Band . Those were very interesting days. You may contact him at 9841955399 while you are in Kathmandu and learn.