View source for Chande

{{Other uses}}
{{Distinguish|chenda}}
{{more footnotes|date=July 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
[[File:Chandebadagutop.jpg|right|thumb| D - E shruti Chande top (placed for left hand play).]]
The '''''chande''''' is a [[drum]] used in the traditional and classical music of [[South India]] and particularly in [[Yakshagana]] theatre art of [[Karnataka]]. It follows the [[Yakshagana Tala]] system. The rhythms are based on pre-classical music forms that [[Carnatic Music|Karnataka Sangeta]] and Hindustani Sangeetha are based on.<ref>''Prof. Sridhara Uppura, Yakshagana and Nataka, Diganta Sahitya Publications, 1998, Managalore.</ref> There are different varieties of this instrument; two major varieties being the ''Badagu Thittu Chande'' (Northern School) and the ''Thenku Thittu Chande'' (Southern School). The latter can also be spelled ''chenda'' and is used exclusively in the art forms of southern coastal Karnataka and Kerala. This article deals with ''Badagu Thittu Chande'', used exclusively in [[Yakshagana]] of Karnataka. The '''chande''' used in ''Badagu Thittu'' is structurally and acoustically different from the ''[[chenda]]'' used in Kerala.

== History ==
In ancient Hindu sculpture, painting, and mythology, the ''chande'' is often depicted as the instrument used to declare war (''rana chande'' - war drum). This instrument can produce complicated rhythms that can be heard from more than 3&nbsp;km. However Chande is the relatively recent addition to Yakshagana orchestra. It is believed it came to be used since 150 or so years ago.

Its body is constructed from wood of the [[jackfruit]] (or Kakke/Baine/Jambe) tree. The body is called 'goodu' in Kannada. Chande players follow the [[Yakshagana]] system of talas (or taalams). There are similarities to  the Karnataka Sangeetha talas. The rhythm system itself has pre-classical origins.

== Physical components ==
[[File:Chandebadagufull.jpg|right|thumb| D - E shruti Chande top.]]
The circular drum head is made of processed cow skin. Usually there are 12 hinges that hold the drum head to the wooden trunk using thick ropes. Typical drum head size is about 32&nbsp;cm and about 23&nbsp;cm inner diameter. Playing area of drum head is about 20&nbsp;cm in diameter. Wedges inserted inside the ropes are twisted to tighten or loosen the drum head while tuning. A tubular wooden wedge is tied to edge of the drum head to roll using dominant hand. Traditionally the ''chande'' must be tuned to an octave above singers tonic (Higher Shadja).

== Posture ==
The ''chande'' is played using two sticks. It is held vertical, but slightly slanted as to ensure the leather at the base does not touch the floor.

== Chande sticks ==
Chande sticks are drum sticks called ''chande kolu'' in Kannada and are specially made for the chande. The shape and thickness of the stick varies along its length. The left hand and right hand sticks are shaped differently as well. Typically, the length is around 28 centimeters; however it can vary with the diameter of the drum head.

== Methods of use ==
The sticks are flexible and are usually made from a type of [[bamboo]]. The head of the stick used for the dominant hand is thicker and the body tapers and the end where the hand grips the stick is of normal size. The other stick is slightly thicker and less tapered. The dominant stick usually rests on the wedge of the drum head and the stick is rolled to produce the fluttering sound. It is this feature that gives chande an advantage of producing multiple fillers in between the beats that hands or fingers usually will not be able to produce on drums. It is played in a forceful manner. The '''chande''' groves form what is called the Yakshagana Tala.

== Audio Sample ==
{{Listen
| filename    = Chandeabbara.ogg
| title       = Yakshagana Chande Badagu sample
| description = Abbara
}}

== Yakshaganic drum rudiments ==
The students of Chande have to learn some rudiments to be able to master playing chande. These include the following.

=== Stick Combination ===
Various (left)L (right)R combination.

=== Rolling ===
Learning ''horalike'' ("rolling") involves learning:
# Ka da thka
# Ta ka da

and their combination. For advanced performances players learn double (Eradhoralke) and triple rolling (Moorhorlke).

== See also ==
* [[Karatalas]]
* [[Maddale]]
* [[Tabla]]
* [[Tala-Maddale]]
* [[Thavil]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{youtube|sAllmsgkKFg|A chande tala demonstration by artist Chande Mahabhaleshwara Mudugodu}}
* {{youtube|OPy2JIu0BDo| A chande rhythm demonstration - Keshav Bhandari Karki}}

{{Indian musical instruments}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Carnatic music instruments]]
[[Category:Percussion instruments]]
[[Category:Pitched percussion]]
[[Category:Indian musical instruments]]
[[Category:Yakshagana]]