Traditions and Transitions folk narrative in the contemporary world
16-20
July 2001 The University of Melbourne, Australia
|
|
|
|
Traditions and Transitions folk narrative in the contemporary world |
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | main abstract index | main congress page |
| N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
Kerala, the land of Malayalees is situated on the
south-western coast of the Indian sub-continent. Geographically speaking, it is
separated from the mainland by natural boundaries. The Western Ghats, with its
verdant forests, runs north to south along the eastern border. The western
boundary is the Arabian Sea. Between the silent forests and the heaving sea
lies the narrow strip of land from where a vibrant culture bursts forth.
According to Sangam literature, some 2 000 to 3 000 years ago the people of
Kerala were divided on the basis of their occupation, which was in turn based
on the nature of the land they occupied. Kurinchi (Mountain land), Palai (Arid
land), Mullai (Pastures), Marutam (Wet land), Neytal (Coastal land) etc. were
the land divisions. Kuravar (hunters of Kurinchi), the Marvar (Fighting men of
Palai), the Idayas (Shepherds of Mullai), the Uzhavas (Agriculturalists of
Marutham) and Paravas (Fisherman of Neytal) were the inhabitants of the land.
This is unlike the caste-based divisions prevalent in present-day Hindu
society, in which the Brahmins occupy the highest stratum and Pulayas or
Cherumas the lowest. In between are the Ambalavasi, Nair, Thiyar, Kammalar
Maniyani, Vaniya, Nadiya, Chaliya, Kanisan, Mukkuvan etc. Certain lower
communities had inherited the legacy of the land and its culture to a high
degree. Pulluvan and Panan, the minstrels, are considered to be the harbingers
of a prosperous culture. Velan, Vannan, Malayan, Pulayan Mavila Koppala, Parayan
etc are the ritual dancers.
Kerala is very rich in folklore genres. Artists, singers, craftsman, and
tribals contribute much to its folklore. The rare folk songs, folk arts,
proverbs and other genres of folklore reflect their social experiences. There
are a lot of folk narrative songs that are used to show the quality of the
labour of the lower class. The caste system, untouchability, social and
economic inequalities etc., are conspicuous in the folklore genres. Kerala has
several folk art forms such as Theyyam (ritual dance form performed by the
untouchables). Kolkkali (stickdance), Poothanum Thirayum (another ritual dance
performed by untouchables) etc. that directly criticize and protest against the
social and economic inequalities of society. The liberation value of these folk
narrative songs of Kerala is analysed in this paper.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | main abstract index | main congress page |
| N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |