They are also called Vithatham which means "tied" or animal skin-tied". Around 30 varieties of Thala Vadya (percussion instruments) were popular in Kerala in the past. Some of them are not in vogue today. Percussion Instruments of Kerala include Chenda, Maddalam, Edakka, Mridangam, Chengila, Thavil (Takil), Timila, Mizhavu, Udukku, Paani (maram), Idudiviranam, Edamanam, Thudi, Kadumthudi, Ganjira, Thappu, Panchavadyam, Panchamukhavadyam, Velathavil, Tabla, Dolak, Kudukudupandi and Thamber.
