Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies

Tamil literature contains extensive references to various musical instruments such as Yazh, flute (Kuzhal), Murasu, Parai, Tannumai, Pandil, Kinnaram, and Tudi. Sangam literature glorifies the Yazh as an exceptionally fine melodic instrument, and literary evidence indicates that it was played by troupes of male (Panar) and female (Viraliyar) bards. The 18th verse (Nurpa) of Akattinaiyiyal in Tolkappiyam Porulatikaram highlights the Yazh and Parai as fundamental cultural treasures of the Tamil way of life. The musical intricacies of the ancient Tamils are elaborately explained across Tolkappiyam, Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies), Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls), Silappatikaram, Thevaram, and medieval inscriptions. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the origin, structure, crafting techniques, usage, and ensemble dynamics of the four categories of musical instruments—percussion (Thorkaruvi), wind (Kaatrukaruvi), stringed (Narambukaruvi), and idiophones/cymbals (Kanjakaruvi)—as found in Tamil literature and archaeological records.