Kerala has a place of its own in Carnatic Music field, created by Swathi Thirunal, the erstwhile ruler of Travancore.Swathi Thirunal was a musician-cum-composer of high caliber.His period of reign was ‘Augustan Age of Kerala Music.’ The immortal tharattu (lullaby), ‘Omanathinkal kidavo’ was composed by one of his close associates, Irayimman Thampi.Shadkala Govinda Marar, the renowned singer, had enjoyed the patronage of the Swathi Thirunal.

Vadakkan pattukal (northern ballads) celebrating the exploits of heroes like Thacholi Othenan, Mappila pattukal (sung by the Mappilas of Malabar), vanchipattukal (boat songs) and vathil thurapattu (song requesting the bride to open the door) are few among them.

Sopanasangeetham is a musical art form performed with the accompaniment of Idaykka especially in the temples of Kerala. Sopanasangeetham is recited only when the inner sanctum sanctorum of the temple is closed for customary ceremonial offerings to gods and goddesses. Musicians always stand on the left side of the sopana and the singing ceases when the shrine opens.The percussion instruments used are edakka and chengila. Only the ‘Maaraar’ and ‘Pothuval’ community had the privilege of doing this.

In the past there existed four different castes in Kerala.- Brahmin, kshthriya, vaisya and soodhra. The ‘Maaraar’ and ‘Pothuvaal’ community belonged to the ‘Sudhras’, lowest in status compared to the other castes. They used to sing the Sopaanasangeetham from inside the temple. It was Njeralathu Raamapothuvaal who made the most important and notable contribution towards this genre of music.

Pancha (five) Vadyam (instrument) is an orchestra, typical of Kerala, consisting of five instruments - Maddalam, Edakka, Thimila, Ilathalam and Kombu. It is an inevitable accompaniment during processions, religious or otherwise. The most thrilling performance of Panchavadyam can be witnessed at most of the temple festivals in Kerala.

The maddalam is considered to be a divine instrument or Deva Vadya on account of its inclusion as a major accompaniment in the 'Dance of Lord Siva, the Destroyer'. The Edakka is an extremely sensitive percussion instrument. Made of wood and about a quarter metre long. Kombu, literally meaning horn, is a C-shaped wind instrument made of brass or copper. Its shrill blare helps in subduing the pitch of the other instruments.

Panchari melam is a classic performance (melam) of different musical instruments that are unique to temples of Kerala state in south India. The most traditional of all melam's is 'Pandi Melam' which is generally performed outside the temples.

Chenda, komb, kuzhal and elathalam are the main instruments used. 33 veekuchendas, 33 elathalams and 11 each of komb. kuzhal and muttuchenda are required for a complete peformance of medium range.

The Pandimelam is an orchestra of four instruments - the Chenda, the Kuzhal, the Kombu and the Ilathalam, played mainly in the major temple festivals of Kerala like the Thrissur Pooram. Though the instruments used are the same as used in panchavadyam the method of their use slightly differs.For the beating of chenda in pancharimelam two sticks are used, whereas in pandimelam only one stick is used.Another difference is in the blowing of kuzhal. In pandimelam it is done in Bhairav Raaga, whereas in Pancharimela it is done in some other Raaga.

The Chenda is a hollow cylindrical instrument made of soft wood with both ends covered with cowhide. It is the chief accompaniment in Kathakali (the classical dance-drama of Kerala) and the most important percussion instrument played during temple festivals. The musical notes of this instrument are adjusted by strings and small bamboo rings. The Chenda is played by beating the upper end with sticks. Deft use of the palms can produce four different tones.
Kuzhal literally means a hollow pipe or tube. This wind instrument is the main accompaniment to the Chenda during festivals and ritual processions. Kombu, literally horn, is a C-shaped wind instrument made of brass or copper. Its shrill blare helps in subduing the pitch of the other instruments. Ilathalam is a native version of the cymbals.

The instruments employed are chendas and elathalams.The artists of chendas use their palm and sticks for drumming.