If you have ever visited Thanjavur, you will be bedazzled by not only the exquisite paintings unique to this city but also a very magnificent craftsmanship. A craft which has been handed  down from generation to generation to develop into its present form - the art of making musical instruments. The magic of the mellifluous notes which emanate from these simple instruments, are the handiwork of talented artisans residing in and around Thanjavur.

Tamil Nadu has always been a hotbed of a rich and varied heritage of cultural life. Music and dance have formed the backbone of the ordinary Tamilian since aeons in time. In fact, in normal Tamil families, girls are educated in music and dance from a very early age. This teaching forms an intrinsic part of the  important accomplishments a young unmarried girl is  required to possess before her marriage. Even in schools and colleges, music and dance are integral parts of the school curriculum. The craft of  producing musical instruments is therefore a natural culmination of this art.

Musical instruments are determined not only on the basis of their types, but also according to the occasions for which they are used. Therefore, in Tamil Nadu, the naadaswaram is linked with marriage ceremonies, the kombu with religious festivities while percussion instruments like drums are associated with proclamations and  announcements.