Kudukka Veena is an ancient string instrument of India and was prevalent in
Kerala. It became altogether out of use around hundred years ago.
The instrument contains two coconut shells; one with a leather covering on the mouth. Approximately one half of the space is covered with leather. A small pore is made at the centre of this covering. On the back (at the outer side) of this shell, Kocha (a belt of cloth) is set to hold it on the shoulder. Korudu (a stick) is placed through the eye of another full coconut shell called Kudukka. A guitar string, which is fixed firmly within the closed shell, tied onto the Korudu is inserted through the pore in the leather lowering of the half shell hung on the shoulder.
The Kudukka of the Veena hung on the left shoulder is held in the left hand in such a way that the string is tightly held. Sound is evoked by beating on the string with the Eerkkili (coconut leaflet) held in the right hand. Sound modulations are produced depending on the change in force applied by the left hand. On this instrument, people with proper training can play melodious ragas and kirtanas.
