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The thali is a percussion instrument of the family of idiophones used in Indian folk music. It is a round, flat metal platter used in cuisine that is beaten with a stick if it is held with the other hand, or beaten with two sticks if it is placed on the floor or on a stand. The thali frequently accompanies the dhol or maddal drum in various dances.
References
Garland Encyclopedia of World Music (Book 5). Routledge; Har/Com edition (November 1999). ISBN978-0824049461