Muttum Viliyum

Muttum Viliyum (also known as Cheenimuttu) is a traditional orchestral musical performance art form popular among the Muslim community of Kerala, India. ^[1] The name represents a unique confluence of three musical instruments that form the core of this traditional orchestra.

Etymology

The term "Muttum Viliyum" derives from the Malayalam words referring to the three primary instruments used in the performance. It is also alternatively known as "Cheenimuttu" in certain regions of Kerala. Muttum Viliyum was once a regular feature in the agricultural, cultural, and religious festivals of Malabar, underscoring its historical importance in regional heritage. ^[2]

Musical instruments

Muttum Viliyum employs three traditional Kerala instruments:

• Kuzhal – a traditional wind instrument that serves as the melodic foundation of the orchestra.
• Chenda – a cylindrical percussion instrument that provides the rhythmic backbone of the performance.
• Cheriya Chenda – a smaller variant of the chenda that adds rhythmic complexity and variation to the ensemble.

Cultural context

Muttum Viliyum is primarily performed within the Muslim communities of Kerala and represents an important aspect of the cultural heritage of Islam in Kerala. The art form demonstrates the synthesis of local Kerala musical traditions with the cultural practices of the Muslim community.^{[ citation needed ]}

See also

• Arts of Kerala
• Music of Kerala
• Islam in Kerala

References

1. "Three-day National Percussion Festival kicks off in Thrissur". The Hindu. 2025-07-11. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2025-08-21.
2. "'മുട്ടും വിളിയും'; മലബാര്‍ മറന്ന മാപ്പിള കലാരൂപം". Mathrubhumi.com. 28 August 2022. Retrieved 2025-08-19.