Source: The Print
Context: Karaikudi R Rani, also known as Karaikudi Mani, a legendary mridangam vidwan, who dominated the Carnatic music scene for half a century passed away recently.
About the Mridangam:
| Aspect | Information | 
|
| Origin | It originated 2,000 years ago in various parts of South India | |
| Usage | It is a popular bifacial drum used as an accompaniment in South Indian Classical music, particularly Carnatic music | |
| Playing Method | It is held across the lap and played on both ends with the hands and fingers | |
| Similar Instrument | Mrdanga, Pakhawaj, and Tannumai. The Pakhavaj is a similar instrument played in the Hindustani tradition of northern India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh | |
| Making Process | The body is scooped out of a single block of wood, preferably Jack Wood or Redwood. It is shaped like a barrel with the right head slightly smaller than the left. | |
Comparison of Carnatic music and Hindustani music on the basis of instruments used:
| Aspect | Carnatic Music | Hindustani Music |
| Melodic Instruments | Veena, Violin, Flute, Nadaswaram, Gottuvadyam, Mandolin, etc. | Sitar, Sarod, Santoor, Bansuri, Shehnai, Harmonium, etc. |
| Percussion | Mridangam, Ghatam, Kanjira, Thavil, Morsing, etc. | Tabla, Pakhawaj, Dholak, Khol, Naal, etc. |
| Drone Instrument | Tambura | Tanpura, Swarmandal |
| Vocalization Style | Syllabic, has a fixed tonic and scale, complex rhythmic structures | Free-flowing, improvisational, and emphasis on ragas |
| Music Structure | Kriti is the basic structure of Carnatic music | Raga is the basic structure of Hindustani music |
