Kuzhal : India musical instrument

The kuzhal is a traditional double reed wind musical instrument that is used in the southern part of Indian state of Kerala. The musical instrument is analogous in construction to a nagaswaram or the larger of shehnai. The musical instrument has a shrill and penetrating tone.

source of picture: india9.com

The musical instrument is mainly used as an accompaniment musical instrument for chenda-led ensembles Panchari Melam and Pandi Melam where the piper performs the anchor function. Meanwhile, as prelude to melams, the musical instrument is also used to present solo concert and here it is called Kuzhal Pattu.

The kuzhal has a wooden body with a conical bore on it. A brass bell is fixed at the end of the instrument. The player of the instrument, who is almost normally male, blows through a double reed of the instrument and closes small holes with his two hands.