HISTORY OF CHENDA

Chenda  is  an ancient  musical  instrument. It has  been  in  use  since  prehistorical  times . Its  presence  was  first  discovered  in  Hindu  mythologies , paintings  and  sculptures .  In  earlier  days , Chenda  was  used  by  the  messengers  of the kings to announce  important  information  and  also  to  declare  war . Traditionally , it  was  called as  'Asura  Vadyam ' which  means  an  instrument  which  cannot be  used  in  harmony .

In  Kerala , it  was  used  at  the  time  of  festivals. and  also in  temples. Its sound is still believed to be important on any auspicious  ceremony. It has become an integral part  of  their  cultural  activities  and  rituals . 

This Indian drumming instrument  is  capable  of  producing  very  complex  rhythms . The  sound  emitted  by  Chenda  is  loud  and  high . The sound  produced  can  be  heard  easily  up to the distance of more  than  3  kilometers. This  instrument  is  very  heavy  in  weight . Chenda  has  also  been  in  use  in  the  'Tantric'  rituals  of  goddess  Mahakali  from  the  previous  times .