Ultimate Guru Concert Grade Manamadurai Ghatam

Ghatams are used by Carnatic musicians of South India, and Udu drummers in world music. Although the ghaṭam looks like an ordinary domestic clay pot, it is made specifically to be played as a pitched percussion clay drum. The tone of the pot depends on numerous factors, most importantly the even thickness all around to produce an even tone regardless where the drum is struck on the neck.

The Manamadurai ghatam is thicker and heavier than the Madras Ghatams with tiny shards of metal ( brass/copper and other "secret" ingredients that the potter mixes) into the clay.

Add in the unique clay of that area, and the result is a ghaṭam that requires greater finger force to play, but one that exudes a delightfully rich tone with an even and clear sound, which is overwhelmingly favored by the pros. These are made exclusively in the town of Manamadurai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Although, makers outside of the town of Manamadurai claim to make “Manamadurai” ghatams, only the ghaṭams made with the local clay have this unique sound.