By A or mizhavu is a big copper drum played as an accompanying percussion instrument in the Koodiyattam and Koothu, performing arts of Kerala. It is played by the Ambalavasi Nambiar community. After 1965, when started a mizhavu reppetry in kalamandalam mizhavu break the cast barrier and nowadays anyone can play mizhavu in koodiyattam, nangiar koothu, chakyar koothu, and mizhavu thayambaka. The drum is played only with hands. The Sanskrit name of nambiar Panivada comes from this reason. Mizhavu is treated as a Brahmachaarya and it is considered as sacred. It is used to accompany the holy ritualistic temple performance of Koodiyattam and Koothu. Only Ambalavasi Nambiar community members are allowed to play it inside temples or Koothambalams still. Mizhavu is sounded during the end of the second and fourth lines of the slokas and throughout the performance. Mizhavu has a prominent role in the origin of a popular art form, Thullal in Kerala.
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