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The SwarShala Indian music software includes Chende and over 100 other perfectly sampled virtual Indian instruments.
Chende is a Hindu temple festive instrument, but is also featured in singing and dancing performances. It is famous in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This instrument appears in Hindu mythology, sculpture, and artwork for the first time centuries ago. King's troops originally used Chende to deliver important information and announce battle. It is known as Dindimam in Sanskrit.
Chende is made of hard wood - usually jackfruit tree - with a thickness of about 1.5 inches. Iron hoops are used to tie this wooden cylindrical drum. Drummers wear it around their shoulders to enjoy the beats of this historic musical instrument while they walk. They use sticks called chendakkol to hit the skin on both sides, which generates a powerful sound that can be heard from more than 3 kilometers.
Chende has two sides: the left side, called "Edamthala," comprising of just one or two layers of cow skin, while the right-hand side, known as "Valamthala," has five or more seven-layer of the skin to produce a bass sound. Both make two unique tones. The threads that hold the two different sides together can be altered to change the musical notes.
Chende is a heavy instrument and is divided into three categories. First, 'Uruttu Chende,' a musical instrument used to play variations and conduct an orchestra. The second type is called 'Veekku Chende' and is often used to beat a basic pattern. And the third type is called 'Acchan Chende.'
Chende has been used in goddess Mahakali's ceremonies since the beginning of time. It is also an important feature of Tamil Nadu's famed traditional dance drama, 'Yaksha Gana.' Some traditional dances are also associated with Chende, such as Kannyar Kali and Theyyam.
According to folklore, Chende controls the other 18 vadayas. It's used in Kerala in churches, community festivals, and ceremonies. It is significant among Kerala's art forms, such as Pandi, Panchari, Dhruvam, and Adantha. Nowadays, Chende is also played in public awareness campaigns.
The best way to play it is by hanging it from the artist's left shoulder using a fabric cord. It can be played with only the left hand and a stick on the right wrist or with both hands with sticks. Remember, the stick is only used from one hand when performing thayambaka. The left headset is played for panchari and pandi, while the right headset the beat. In many local events, the left headset is performed with a hand, while the right head is played with a stick.