of geometric speed Then the "Naalam Kaalam" or the fourth degree of geometric speed and so on. Depending up on the practice and experience a Chenda performer can perform in 7, 8, 9 or even 10 "Kaalam". If a performer starts with a 3 beat and completes these beats in 4 seconds (geometric speed), it is called an "Onnam Kaalam" (ഒന്നാം കാലം) of 3 beats. So the "Randam Kaalam" (രണ്ടാം കാലം) beats would be multiple of "Onnam Kaalam", 6 beats completed in 4 seconds. "Muunaam Kaalam" (മൂനാം കാലം) would be multiple of "Randam Kaalam", 12 beats completed in 4 seconds, "Naalam Kaalam" (നാലാം കാലം) would be 24 beats completed in 4 seconds and so on. Similarly if the performer starts with 4 beats and completes the beats in 4 seconds, then "Randam Kaalam" beats would be multiple of "Onnam Kaalam", 8 beats completed in 4 seconds, "Muunaam Kaalam" would be multiple of "Randam Kaalam", 16 beats completed in 4 seconds. If the performer starts with the same 4 beats and completes the beats in 2 seconds, then "Randam Kaalam" would be 8 beats and should be completed in 2 seconds, "Muunaam Kaalam" would be 16 beats and should be completed in 2 seconds. The time to complete one "Kaalam" is called the "Thalavattam" (താളവട്ടം) and the "Onnam Kaalam" (ഒന്നാം കാലം) is called the "thalam" (താളം) or the basic rhythm of the whole percussion performance. See also Panchavadyam Thayambaka Panchari melam Pandi melam Kanyarkali Vadyakala References Application of composite materials to the chenda, an Indian percussion instrument External links chenda melam in vijayawada - chenda melam in visakhapatnam chenda melam in bangalore - singarimelam Vadhya Kala ചെണ്ട മേളം Kathakali Carnatic music instruments Indian musical instruments Drums Membranophones Kerala music