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What instruments are used in South Indian Carnatic music ensembles?

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Four children play musical instruments in a row, including a flute, trumpet, and tuba, focusing intently as they perform together indoors. — musical instrument Children playing musical instruments.

South Indian Carnatic music ensembles are typically composed of a singer or a main melody instrument, a secondary melody instrument, one or more rhythmic percussion instruments, and one or more drone instruments.1

Melody Instruments

Main: Common choices include the vina (a long-necked, fretted lute), the venu (bamboo flute), the nagaswaram (a double-reed instrument), the violin, and the gottuvadyam (a fretless lute).1
Secondary: The violin is the most common secondary melody instrument, often echoing the main performer.1

Percussion Instruments

The mridangam, a double-conical drum, is the primary rhythmic accompaniment. Other instruments include the ghatam (an earthenware pot), the kanjira (tambourine), the morsing (jew’s harp), and the tavil (used with the nagaswaram).123

Drone Instruments

The tambura is the most prominent drone instrument. Other options include the ottu (used with the nagaswaram) or a hand-pumped shruti box.1