Kannan Balakrishnan is an exponent of an instrument that is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in which music ensemble ?
Kannan Balakrishnan:  He is also a vocalist and exponent of the instruments Mridangam, Suddha Madhalam and the Ganjira. Mridangam:  It is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in a Carnatic music ensemble, and in Dhrupad, where it is known as Pakhawaj.
Carnatic music ensemble