Maddalam is a medium sized melodious drum popular in Kerala. Maddalam is one among the five instruments used in Panchavadyam, the traditional orchestra of Kerala. It is also an essential accompaniment of art forms like Kathakali, Krishnanattom and Thullal.

It has two varieties; Shuddha Maddalam and Thoppi Maddalam. Shuddha Maddalam is played by tying it around the waist of the player with a cloth. Thoppi Maddalam, a smaller version of the former is played by suspending it from the neck of the player. Made out of jack wood, both ends of the Maddalam are covered with stretched hides. One has to undergo arduous training before becoming an efficient player of this heaviest percussion instrument of Kerala.