Question

What is the use of “Vaaru” in Mridangam?

Hint:

Vaaru is the black patch on the mridangam’s right head that enables tonal clarity, resonance, and pitch control.

Answer 1

In the context of Mridangam, the term Vaaru refers to the black circular patch at the center of the right-hand membrane (valanthalai). Use and Importance of Vaaru:

Made from a mixture of rice paste, iron filings, and other materials.
Helps produce a wide range of tonal modulations and harmonics.
Gives clarity and pitch to strokes such as tha, nam, and dhin.
Increases the resonance and depth of sound.
Vital for tuning the mridangam accurately to a specific pitch.
Without Vaaru:

The tonal clarity would diminish.
The mridangam would not sustain the required pitch.