The Tamil music instruments are unique and offer the music with best background and attractiveness. Dance and music forms the heart and sole of Tamilnadu and thus, the instruments play the most important role in their culture. The main area where the musical instruments are widely created is in Tanjavur and this place is very popular for giving birth to many renowned musicians.

In Tamilnadu, the instruments are not classified with respect to the types but are categorized based on the event where it is played. For instance, in South India the instrument Nathaswaram is played in wedding ceremonies and religious festivals. Another instrument Kumbu is also connected with religious rituals. The most traditional instrument, the Silappadikaaram is widely used in this place in almost every occasion. Yaazh forms another traditional instrument in the form of fish, boat and crocodile. However, this instrument has vanished away with the advance of technologies.

The unavoidable traditional instruments used by Tamil artists were the Veena, the Thavil, the Tambura, the Mridungam, the Chenda, the Nathaswaram and the Ghatam. The percussion instruments are also very popular here. The Nagara makes a popular percussion Tamil musical instrument that is widely used in temples and has a hemispherical drum shape. The instrument is usually carried over a well-adorned elephant in between two large curve shaped sticks.

Damaram makes another percussion instrument that is very popular among Tamilians. It has conical shape supported with a wood shell and leather braces. It is usually practised on the top of bullocks and is played using a curved and a straight stick. Udukku is another traditional instrument widely used in temples and is recognized as a symbol of Shiva. Gummati, Ekkalam and Pambai are membra phonic instruments that are played in memorable occasions or religious functions.

All these traditional instruments are still practised in many parts of Tamilnadu. However, the technological advance and new trendy design have replaced these ancient instruments with newer forms of musical instruments. The new trendy keyboards and other instruments have taken over the whole Tamil film and music industry. However, the Tamil temple rituals are practiced with the old hand made musical instruments even these days.