The ancient Tamils invented several musical instruments to accompany their பண் vocal music. It is interesting to note that the names of the three basic types of instruments - the யாழ் or string instrument, the குழல் or wind instrument, the முழவு or percussion instrument all have the sound unique to Tamil. பரிபாடல் one of the ancient sangam texts talks of the versatility of the Tamils in harmoniously blending the sounds of the different kinds of instruments. Instruments were designed according to formalistic, geographic and classical criteria. Texts such as சிறுபாண் ஆற்றுப்படை, பொருநர் ஆற்றுப்படை, மலைபடுகடாம் and திருமுருகாற்றுப்படை provide details about the classification of musical instruments in the ancient பண் music system.

Innovatively designed instruments required musicians with a high degree of skill. Ancient Tamil musicians, besides being adept at handling instruments were well-versed in the grammar of the music, had a deep understanding of rhythm and melody and the lyrics they sang and also of the tone and pitch of Tamil language sounds. They were composers of music too.