Valanthalai syllables

The "Thi" note is played by striking the centre black ring (Saatham) of the Miruthangam's right head, for a right handed player, with the first three fingers. This note is flat.

The "Thi" has many variations in the name when it forms a group of Sollkattu for example:

1) Kida (Type 1) : Where the Thi is recited as Da.

Say - Ki Da

Play - Thom Thi

2) Kida (Type 2) : Where the Thi is recited as Ki.

Say - Ki Da

Play - Thi Da

3) Tharikida : Where the Thi is recited as both Tha and Da.

Say - Tha Ri Ki Da

Play - Thi Da Thom Thi

4) Thakajenu : Where the Thi is recited as Nu.

Say - Tha Ka Je Nu

Play - Num Thom Thom Thi

5) Thathinmithin : Where the Thi is recited as Mi.

Say - Tha Thin Mi Thin

Play - Num Thin Thi Thin

The "Num" note is played by first resting, like a pivot, the second finger on the left edge (9 o clock position) of the centre black ring (Saatham) of the Miruthangam's right head then striking the top part of the outer ring (Vettu Thattu) with the index (fourth) finger.

The "Num" has many variations in the name when it forms a group of Sollkattu for example:

1) Naka : Here the Num is recited as Na.

Say - Na Ka

Play - Num Thom

2) Thathinmithin : Where the Num is recited as Tha.

Say - Tha Thin Mi Thin

Play - Num Thin Thi Thin

The "Da" note is played by striking the middle of the centre black ring (Saatham) of the Miruthangam's right head with the top portion (first section) of the index finger. This note is flat.

The "Da" has many variations in the name when it forms a group of Sollkattu for example:

1) Thakathiku : Where the Da is recited as Tha.

Say - Tha Ka Thi Ku

Play - Da Thom Thi Thom

2) Tharikida : Where the Da is recited as Ri.

Say - Tha Ri Ki Da

Play - Thi Da Thom Thi

The "Thin" note is played by first resting, like a pivot, the second finger on the left edge (9 o clock position) of the centre black ring (Saatham) of the Miruthangam's right head then striking the top outer edge (12 o clock position) of the Saatham with the index (fourth) finger. The finger must immediately be lifted out to allow for the vibrational tone.

In the standard "Sollkattu" the "Thin" doesn't posses any other notation names.

The "Theeng" note is played by striking the bottom edge of the (6 o clock position) of the centre black ring (Saatham) of the Miruthangam's right head with the index (fourth) finger in a semi circular movement. The finger must immediately be lifted out to allow for the vibrational tone.

The "Theeng" has only a few variations in the name when it forms a group of Sollkattu for example:

1) Thathikidathom: Where the Theeng is recited as Thi.

Say - Tha Thi Ki Da Thom

Play - Thi Theeng Thi Da Thom

The "Thaang" note is played by striking the middle of the centre black ring (Saatham) of the Miruthangam's right head with top portions (first section) of either the three middle fingers or the index finger. The finger(s) must immediately be lifted out to allow for the vibrational tone.

In the standard "Sollkattu" the "Thaang" doesn't posses any other notation names.

The "Araichaapu", only differs from the Mulluchaapu in that the position of the little finger on the Miruthangam's right head is positioned half way from the top outer most edge (12 o clock position) of the Saatham.

It is played by striking almost at the centre of the centre black ring (Saatham) of the Miruthangam's right head with top portion (first section) of the little finger. The finger is immediately lifted out to allow for the vibrational tone.

The other fingers are held stiff in parallel to the little finger (as shown in the diagram) to produce a somewhat half closed ring sound. Similar to the Araichaapu, the vibration of the ring sound here is also reduced due to more of the little finger making contact with the Saatham.

Unlike the other listed Chaapus, the finger is not held loosely here as that sound would be similar to the "Thaang" sound played with the index finger.