The Maddalam is a heavy percussion instrument, a drum made out of the wood of the jackfruit tree.

The wood is first cut to give it its basic shape. It is then polished and tied tightly with ropes. It has two sides for playing, made out of leather, and both these sides produce different sounds.

The Maddalam is a key instrument in traditional Kerala percussion ensembles like Panchavadyam, Keli and Kathakali orchestra.