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{{Main|Bharatanatyam}}
{{Main|Bharatanatyam}}


Bharatanatyam is a major genre of [[Indian classical dance]] that originated in Tamil Nadu.<ref name="Britbn">{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/art/bharata-natyam|title=Bharata-natyam|encyclopedia=Britannica|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Williams|first=Drid|title=In the Shadow of Hollywood Orientalism: Authentic East Indian Dancing|url=http://jashm.press.illinois.edu/12.3/12-3IntheShadow_Williams78-99.pdf|journal=Visual Anthropology|volume=17|issue=1|year=2004|pages=83–84|publisher=Routledge|doi=10.1080/08949460490274013|s2cid=29065670|access-date=4 February 2018|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121105/http://jashm.press.illinois.edu/12.3/12-3IntheShadow_Williams78-99.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Banerjee|first=Projesh|title=Indian Ballet Dancing|year=1983|publisher=Abhinav Publications|location=New Jersey|page=43}}</ref> It is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India.<ref>{{cite book|author=Richard Schechner|title=Between Theater and Anthropology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DoEaulAxbu8C|year=2010|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press|isbn=978-0812279290|pages=65}}</ref> The name of the dance is a combination of the Tamil word ''Bharatam'', a [[backronym]] with ''bha'' standing for ''[[bhavam]]'' (feelings, emotions), ''ra'' for ''[[ragam]]'' (melody, framework for musical notes), ''tam'' for ''talam'' (rhythm) and ''Natyam'', a [[Sanskrit]] word for "dance".<ref name="Loch"/><ref name="Arunkumar1989xxi">{{citation|author=Anjani Arunkumar|title=Compositions for Bharatanāṭyam: A Soulful Worship the Divine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3UXkAAAAMAAJ|year=1989|publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan|pages=xxi–xxii}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Brenda P McCutchen|title=Teaching Dance as Art in|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C0yjXGJ3EEoC&pg=PA450|year=2006|publisher=Human Kinetics|isbn=978-0-7360-5188-0|pages=450–452}}</ref> A description of the dance is found in the 2nd century CE [[Sangam literature]] of ''[[Silappatikaram]]'', while temple sculptures from the early [[middle age]]s of 6th to 9th century CE project the dance form.<ref>{{cite book|title=Traditions of Indian Classical Dance|last=Khokar|first=Mohan|publisher=Clarion Books|year=1984|location=India|pages=73–76}}</ref> The theoretical foundations of the dance are found in ''Kootha Nool'' in Tamil and in ''[[Natya Shastra]]'', a Sanskrit text of performance arts.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Eugenio Barba|author2=Nicola Savarese|title=A Dictionary of Theatre Anthropology: The Secret Art of the Performer|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ky6MAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA208-IA69|year=2011|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-17634-1|page=208}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Peter Fletcher|author2=Laurence Picken|title=World Musics in Context: A Comprehensive Survey of the World's Major Musical Cultures|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i2vDlcIyVjUC&pg=PA262|year=2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-517507-3|pages=262}}</ref>
Bharatanatyam is a major genre of [[Indian classical dance]] that originated in Tamil Nadu.<ref name="Britbn">{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/art/bharata-natyam|title=Bharata-natyam|encyclopedia=Britannica|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Williams|first=Drid|title=In the Shadow of Hollywood Orientalism: Authentic East Indian Dancing|url=http://jashm.press.illinois.edu/12.3/12-3IntheShadow_Williams78-99.pdf|journal=Visual Anthropology|volume=17|issue=1|year=2004|pages=83–84|publisher=Routledge|doi=10.1080/08949460490274013|s2cid=29065670|access-date=4 February 2018|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121105/http://jashm.press.illinois.edu/12.3/12-3IntheShadow_Williams78-99.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Banerjee|first=Projesh|title=Indian Ballet Dancing|year=1983|publisher=Abhinav Publications|location=New Jersey|page=43}}</ref> It is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India.<ref>{{cite book|author=Richard Schechner|title=Between Theater and Anthropology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DoEaulAxbu8C|year=2010|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press|isbn=978-0812279290|pages=65}}</ref> The name of the dance is a combination of the Tamil word ''Bharatam'', a [[backronym]] with ''bha'' standing for ''[[bhavam]]'' (feelings, emotions), ''ra'' for ''[[ragam]]'' (melody, framework for musical notes), ''tam'' for ''talam'' (rhythm) and ''Natyam'', a [[Sanskrit]] word for "dance".<ref name="Loch"/><ref name="Arunkumar1989xxi">{{citation|author=Anjani Arunkumar|title=Compositions for Bharatanāṭyam: A Soulful Worship the Divine|year=1989|publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan|pages=xxi–xxii}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Brenda P McCutchen|title=Teaching Dance as Art in|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C0yjXGJ3EEoC&pg=PA450|year=2006|publisher=Human Kinetics|isbn=978-0-7360-5188-0|pages=450–452}}</ref> A description of the dance is found in the 2nd century CE [[Sangam literature]] of ''[[Silappatikaram]]'', while temple sculptures from the early [[middle age]]s of 6th to 9th century CE project the dance form.<ref>{{cite book|title=Traditions of Indian Classical Dance|last=Khokar|first=Mohan|publisher=Clarion Books|year=1984|location=India|pages=73–76}}</ref> The theoretical foundations of the dance are found in ''Kootha Nool'' in Tamil and in ''[[Natya Shastra]]'', a Sanskrit text of performance arts.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Eugenio Barba|author2=Nicola Savarese|title=A Dictionary of Theatre Anthropology: The Secret Art of the Performer|year=2011|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-17634-1|page=208}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Peter Fletcher|author2=Laurence Picken|title=World Musics in Context: A Comprehensive Survey of the World's Major Musical Cultures|year=2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-517507-3|pages=262}}</ref>


Traditionally, Bharatanatyam was a solo dance that was performed exclusively by women.<ref name="Claus">{{cite book|author1=Peter J. Claus|author2=Sarah Diamond|author3=Margaret Ann Mills|title=South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ienxrTPHzzwC|year=2003|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-93919-5|pages=136}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|first=T|last=Balasaraswati|year=1976|title=Bharata Natyam|journal=NCPA Quarterly Journal|volume=4|page=1-8}}</ref> The dance is characterized by the fixed upper torso with bent legs or flexed out knees combined with various footwork and a number of gestures of the hands, eyes and face muscles.<ref name="Loch">{{cite book|first=James|last=Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kl0DYIjUPgC&pg=PA103|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3179-8|pages=103–104}}</ref> The dance might be accompanied by music and a singer and typically a [[guru]] is present as the director and conductor of the performance and art.<ref name="Britbn"/> The dance has traditionally been a form of an interpretive narration of mythical legends, religious and spiritual ideas from the [[Hindu texts]].<ref name="Claus"/> The repertoire of the dance has developed into ''nrita'' (pure dance), ''nritya'' (solo expressive dance) and ''natya'' (group dramatic dance).<ref name="Claus"/><ref>{{cite book|first=Kavitha|last=Jayakrishnan|year=2011|url=https://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/6356|title=Dancing Architecture: the parallel evolution of Bharatanātyam and South Indian Architecture|publisher=University of Waterloo|page=25}}</ref>
Traditionally, Bharatanatyam was a solo dance that was performed exclusively by women.<ref name="Claus">{{cite book|author1=Peter J. Claus|author2=Sarah Diamond|author3=Margaret Ann Mills|title=South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ienxrTPHzzwC|year=2003|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-93919-5|pages=136}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|first=T|last=Balasaraswati|year=1976|title=Bharata Natyam|journal=NCPA Quarterly Journal|volume=4|page=1-8}}</ref> The dance is characterized by the fixed upper torso with bent legs or flexed out knees combined with various footwork and a number of gestures of the hands, eyes and face muscles.<ref name="Loch">{{cite book|first=James|last=Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3179-8|pages=103–104}}</ref> The dance might be accompanied by music and a singer and typically a [[guru]] is present as the director and conductor of the performance and art.<ref name="Britbn"/> The dance has traditionally been a form of an interpretive narration of mythical legends, religious and spiritual ideas from the [[Hindu texts]].<ref name="Claus"/> The repertoire of the dance has developed into ''nrita'' (pure dance), ''nritya'' (solo expressive dance) and ''natya'' (group dramatic dance).<ref name="Claus"/><ref>{{cite book|first=Kavitha|last=Jayakrishnan|year=2011|url=https://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/6356|title=Dancing Architecture: the parallel evolution of Bharatanātyam and South Indian Architecture|publisher=University of Waterloo|page=25}}</ref>


=== Bhagavatha nadanam ===
=== Bhagavatha nadanam ===
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=== Kai silambattam ===
=== Kai silambattam ===
[[Silambu]] is a hollow anklet made up of a metal such as [[copper]] and filled with [[iron]] or [[silver]] beads that produce noise when the wearer moves or dances.<ref>{{cite book|last=Banerji|first=Projesh|url=https://archive.org/details/FolkDanceOfIndia/page/n106/mode/1up|title=The Folk-Dance of India|date=1959|publisher=Kitabistan|location=Allahabad|pages=189–190}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Marcuse|first=Sibyl|title=Musical Instruments: A Comprehensive Dictionary|date=1975|publisher=[[W. W. Norton & Company|Norton]]|location=New York|page=476|chapter=Silambu|isbn=9780393007589 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/musicalinstrumen00marcu/page/476/mode/1up}}</ref> It is generally worn by women on the leg, termed as ''kālchilambu'' in Tamil in contrast to ''kāichilambu'' held in the hand.<ref name="Samba"/> For the dance, the dancers wear anklets and hold a silambu in their hands to make noises while dancing.<ref name="Samba">{{cite book|last=Sambamoorthy|first=P.|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.chennai.82|title=Catalogue of Musical Instruments Exhibited in the Government Museum, Chennai|date=1976|publisher=Principal Commissioner of Museums, [[Government Museum, Chennai|Government Museum]]|location=Chennai}}</ref> The dance is performed in temples during Amman festivals or [[Navaratri]] festival especially to praise female deities like [[Durga]] or [[Kali]].<ref name="Shah">{{cite book|title=Indian Etiquette:A Glimpse Into India's Culture|first=Niraalee|last=Shah|year=2021|isbn=978-1-638-86554-4|publisher=Notion Press}}</ref>
[[Silambu]] is a hollow anklet made up of a metal such as [[copper]] and filled with [[iron]] or [[silver]] beads that produce noise when the wearer moves or dances.<ref>{{cite book|last=Banerji|first=Projesh|url=https://archive.org/details/FolkDanceOfIndia/page/n106/mode/1up|title=The Folk-Dance of India|date=1959|publisher=Kitabistan|location=Allahabad|pages=189–190}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Marcuse|first=Sibyl|title=Musical Instruments: A Comprehensive Dictionary|date=1975|publisher=[[W. W. Norton & Company|Norton]]|location=New York|page=476|chapter=Silambu|isbn=9780393007589|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/musicalinstrumen00marcu/page/476/mode/1up}}</ref> It is generally worn by women on the leg, termed as ''kālchilambu'' in Tamil in contrast to ''kāichilambu'' held in the hand.<ref name="Samba"/> For the dance, the dancers wear anklets and hold a silambu in their hands to make noises while dancing.<ref name="Samba">{{cite book|last=Sambamoorthy|first=P.|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.chennai.82|title=Catalogue of Musical Instruments Exhibited in the Government Museum, Chennai|date=1976|publisher=Principal Commissioner of Museums, [[Government Museum, Chennai|Government Museum]]|location=Chennai}}</ref> The dance is performed in temples during Amman festivals or [[Navaratri]] festival especially to praise female deities like [[Durga]] or [[Kali]].<ref name="Shah">{{cite book|title=Indian Etiquette:A Glimpse Into India's Culture|first=Niraalee|last=Shah|year=2021|isbn=978-1-638-86554-4|publisher=Notion Press}}</ref>


=== Karakattam ===
=== Karakattam ===
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[[File:Briundhavana Kolattam.JPG|thumb|upright=0.8|Kolattam]]
[[File:Briundhavana Kolattam.JPG|thumb|upright=0.8|Kolattam]]
=== Kolattam ===
=== Kolattam ===
Kolattam is an ancient folk dance usually performed by women.<ref name="Kol"/> The dance uses two small sticks, one in each hand.<ref name="Kolattam">{{cite book|title=Dances Of India|year=2010|page=70|isbn=978-8-124-11337-0|publisher=Har-Anand Publications}}</ref> The dancers generally stand in a circular formation and beat the sticks to make specific rhythms while singing songs.<ref name="Kolattam"/> The dancers may beat the sticks in their own hands or with the sticks held by other dancers.<ref name="Kol"/> The dancers may form multiple circles with dancers changing pairs with the members of adjacent circles to make the beats.<ref>{{cite book|title=Thaipusam in Malaysia|first=Carl|last=Vadivella Belle|year=2018|isbn=978-9-814-78666-9|publisher=ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute}}</ref> The dance is usually dedicated to gods or goddesses.<ref name="Kolattam"/> The dance is performed during the harvest season and for a fortnight in the [[Kārtika (month)|Karthigai]] month of [[Tamil calendar]].<ref name="Kol"/> There are different variants such as pinnal kolattam and chakke kolattam.<ref name="Kolattam"/> Pinnal kolattam uses ropes instead of sticks.<ref name="Kol">{{cite book|title=Footprints of a Young Dancer:Journey & Experience|first=Aburva|last=Govindarajan|year=2016|isbn=978-1-618-13360-1|publisher=eBooks2go|page=26}}</ref>
Kolattam is an ancient folk dance usually performed by women with ''Kol'' meaning "stick" in Tamil<ref name="Puravai"/><ref name="Kol"/> The dance uses two small sticks, one in each hand.<ref name="Kolattam">{{cite book|title=Dances Of India|year=2010|page=70|isbn=978-8-124-11337-0|publisher=Har-Anand Publications}}</ref> The dancers generally stand in a circular formation and beat the sticks to make specific rhythms while singing songs.<ref name="Kolattam"/> The dancers may beat the sticks in their own hands or with the sticks held by other dancers.<ref name="Kol"/> The dancers may form multiple circles with dancers changing pairs with the members of adjacent circles to make the beats.<ref>{{cite book|title=Thaipusam in Malaysia|first=Carl|last=Vadivella Belle|year=2018|isbn=978-9-814-78666-9|publisher=ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute}}</ref> The dance is usually dedicated to gods or goddesses.<ref name="Kolattam"/> The dance is performed during the harvest season and for a fortnight in the [[Kārtika (month)|Karthigai]] month of [[Tamil calendar]].<ref name="Kol"/> There are different variants such as pinnal kolattam and chakke kolattam.<ref name="Kolattam"/> Pinnal kolattam uses ropes instead of sticks.<ref name="Kol">{{cite book|title=Footprints of a Young Dancer:Journey & Experience|first=Aburva|last=Govindarajan|year=2016|isbn=978-1-618-13360-1|publisher=eBooks2go|page=26}}</ref>


=== Kummiattam ===
=== Kummiattam ===
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[[File:MayilattamDSC_0024.resized.JPG|thumb|upright=0.6|[[Mayilattam]]]]
[[File:MayilattamDSC_0024.resized.JPG|thumb|upright=0.6|[[Mayilattam]]]]
{{Main|Mayilattam}}
{{Main|Mayilattam}}
Mayilattam is a folk dance wherein dancers dressed as [[Indian peafowl|peacocks]] with peacock feathers, glittering head-dresses and beak perform to various folk songs and tunes.<ref name="Shah"/> It literally translates to "peacock dance".<ref>{{cite book|last=Madhavan|first=Arya|title=Kudiyattam Theatre and the Actor's Consciousness|year=2010|publisher=Brill|isbn=978-90-420-2799-2|page=113}}</ref> The dance is usually dedicated to god Murugan and performers usually seat themselves upon a wooden peacock replica, which is the mount of the deity.<ref>{{cite book|last=Knapp|first=Stephen|title=The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment, and Illumination|year=2005|publisher=CreateSpace |isbn=978-1-721-03274-7|page=187}}</ref><ref name="Shah"/> The dancers often stand on tall wooden pieces and operate the feathers using a thread or rope.<ref>{{cite book|last=Snodgrass|first=Mary Ellen|title=The Encyclopedia of World Folk Dance|year=2016|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-4422-5749-8|page=78}}</ref> Other variations include ''Kaalaiattam'' where dancers dress up like a [[bull]] and ''Karadiattam'' where dancers dress up like a [[bear]].<ref name="Shah"/>
Mayilattam is a folk dance wherein dancers dressed as [[Indian peafowl|peacocks]] with peacock feathers, glittering head-dresses and beak perform to various folk songs and tunes.<ref name="Shah"/> It literally translates to "peacock dance".<ref>{{cite book|last=Madhavan|first=Arya|title=Kudiyattam Theatre and the Actor's Consciousness|year=2010|publisher=Brill|isbn=978-90-420-2799-2|page=113}}</ref> The dance is usually dedicated to god Murugan and performers usually seat themselves upon a wooden peacock replica, which is the mount of the deity.<ref>{{cite book|last=Knapp|first=Stephen|title=The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment, and Illumination|year=2005|publisher=CreateSpace|isbn=978-1-721-03274-7|page=187}}</ref><ref name="Shah"/> The dancers often stand on tall wooden pieces and operate the feathers using a thread or rope.<ref>{{cite book|last=Snodgrass|first=Mary Ellen|title=The Encyclopedia of World Folk Dance|year=2016|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-4422-5749-8|page=78}}</ref> Other variations include ''Kaalaiattam'' where dancers dress up like a [[bull]] and ''Karadiattam'' where dancers dress up like a [[bear]].<ref name="Shah"/>


=== Nondi natakam ===
=== Nondi natakam ===
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[[File:சங்கமம்-ஒயிலாட்டம்.jpg|thumb|[[Oyilattam]]]]
[[File:சங்கமம்-ஒயிலாட்டம்.jpg|thumb|[[Oyilattam]]]]
{{Main|Oyilattam}}
{{Main|Oyilattam}}
[[Oyilattam]] is a folk dance with origins from southern Tamil Nadu and practiced in southern and western [[Kongu Nadu]] regions.<ref>{{cite journal|year=1993|title=Folk dances|journal=Seminar: The Monthly Symposium|publisher=Romeshraj Trust|pages=35}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.szcc.tn.nic.in/states/taminadu/folk/oyilattam.html|title=Oyilattam|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]], South Zone Cultural Center|access-date=3 August 2009}}</ref> Oyilattam literally means "dance of beauty".<ref name="Oyil"/> It was traditionally a war dance where few men wearing ankle bells would stand in a line with pieces of colored cloth perform rhythmic steps to the accompanying music.<ref>{{cite book|title=Reinventing the Arts in Modern South India|year=2008|isbn=978-0-195-69084-2|publisher=Oxford University Press|first1=Devesh|last1=Soneji|first2=Indira|last2=Viswanathan Peterson|page=319}}</ref> The dance is often performed to narrate the story of lord Murugan.<ref name="Shah"/> In the recent years, women have also started performing the dance.<ref name="Oyil">{{cite book|title=An Introduction to Tourism in Tamil Nadu|year=2007|publisher=[[University of Madras]]|first=Geetha|last=Kannammal|page=189}}</ref> Oyil Kummi is a fusion of oyilattam with kummi.<ref name="South"/>
[[Oyilattam]] is a folk dance with origins from southern Tamil Nadu and practiced in southern and western [[Kongu Nadu]] regions.<ref>{{cite journal|year=1993|title=Folk dances|journal=Seminar: The Monthly Symposium|publisher=Romeshraj Trust|pages=35}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.szcc.tn.nic.in/states/taminadu/folk/oyilattam.html|title=Oyilattam|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]], South Zone Cultural Center|access-date=3 August 2009}}</ref> Oyilattam literally means "dance of beauty".<ref name="Oyil"/> It was traditionally a war dance where few men wearing ankle bells would stand in a line with pieces of colored cloth perform rhythmic steps to the accompanying music.<ref>{{cite book|title=Reinventing the Arts in Modern South India|year=2008|isbn=978-0-195-69084-2|publisher=Oxford University Press|first1=Devesh|last1=Soneji|first2=Indira|last2=Viswanathan Peterson|page=319}}</ref> The dance is often performed to narrate the story of lord Murugan.<ref name="Shah"/> In the recent years, women have also started performing the dance.<ref name="Oyil">{{cite book|title=An Introduction to Tourism in Tamil Nadu|year=2007|publisher=[[University of Madras]]|first=Geetha|last=Kannammal|page=188-189}}</ref> Oyil Kummi is a fusion of oyilattam with kummi.<ref name="South"/>


=== Paampattam ===
=== Paampattam ===
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Paampattam (literally meaning "snake dance") is performed by young girls, who wear specifically designed costumes emulating a [[snake]] skin.<ref name="Shah"/><ref name="Paampu">{{cite web|url=https://www.culturalindia.net/indian-dance/folk-dances/south-india.html|title=Folk dances of South India|publisher=Cultural India|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Snakes are worshiped in many parts of the state and the dance is considered a tribute to the same.<ref name="Paampu"/> The dancers often lie-down on their back and move along the ground trying to emulate the movements of a snake and also use their hands to mimic the hood of a snake and intimidate the viewers.<ref name="Paampu"/>
Paampattam (literally meaning "snake dance") is performed by young girls, who wear specifically designed costumes emulating a [[snake]] skin.<ref name="Shah"/><ref name="Paampu">{{cite web|url=https://www.culturalindia.net/indian-dance/folk-dances/south-india.html|title=Folk dances of South India|publisher=Cultural India|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Snakes are worshiped in many parts of the state and the dance is considered a tribute to the same.<ref name="Paampu"/> The dancers often lie-down on their back and move along the ground trying to emulate the movements of a snake and also use their hands to mimic the hood of a snake and intimidate the viewers.<ref name="Paampu"/>


[[File:Parai_attam.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|[[Parai Attam|Paraiattam]]]]
===Poikkaal Kuthiraiattam===
===Paraiattam===
⚫
[[File:Poikkal-kuthirai-attam-performer.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|A [[Poikkaal Kuthirai Aattam|Poikkal Kuthirai]] performer]]
[[Parai Attam|Paraiattam]] is a traditional dance that involves dancing while playing the [[parai]], an ancient [[percussion instrument]].<ref>{{cite book|title=When the Kurinji Blooms|first=Rājam|last=Kiruṣṇan̲|year=2002|page=124|isbn=978-8-125-01619-9|publisher=Orient BlackSwan}}</ref> The instrument was one of the [[Ancient Tamil music|ancient native music instruments]] developed and used by the [[Tamil people]] and mentioned in [[Sangam literature]] such as ''[[Kuṟuntokai]]'' and ''[[Tirumurai]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Harihara the Legacy of the Scroll|first=Nithyau|last=Ramkumar|year=2016|isbn=978-9-352-01769-0|publisher=Frog in well|quote=..Thaarai and thappattai, native instruments of Tamil people..}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Oxford Handbook of Applied Ethnomusicology|year=2015|isbn=978-0-199-35171-8|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=370|editor1=Jeff Todd Titon|editor2=Svanibor Pettan}}</ref> In paraiattam , the player of the instrument is also the dancer.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.outlooktraveller.com/destinations/india/from-tradition-to-grace-dance-forms-of-tamil-nadu|title=From Tradition To Grace: Dance Forms Of Tamil Nadu|magazine=Outlook|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The parai is slung by a cloth strap called ''Nadai'' over one shoulder vertically and is held between the other hand and the performer's body.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/taking-parai-to-the-masses/articleshow/63245565.cms|title=Taking Parai to the masses|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 March 2017|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nathalaya.co.uk/classical-and-carnatic-instruments/percussion-instruments/parai|title=Parai|publisher=Nathalaya|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Two [[Percussion mallet|wooden sticks]] are used for beating the drum, one longer made of [[bamboo]], called as ''Sundu Kuchi'' and another shorter, thicker stick of any wood, called as ''Adi Kucchi'', to produce different beats while dancing.<ref>{{cite book|title=Gods Heros and Their Story Tellers:Intangible Cultural Heritage of South India|first=Hari|last=Caravanan|year=2014|isbn=978-9-384-39149-2|publisher=Notion Press}}</ref> According to [[Hindu mythology]] and folk stories, it is believed that the notes for the dance originated from gods [[Shiva]] and [[Parvati]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Anantharam|first=Chitradeepa|date=16 January 2018|title=Striving to 'parai' relevant to young audiences|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/parai-attam-the-ancinet-folk-dance-of-tamil-nadu/article22449763.ece|access-date=3 July 2022|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The dance was performed during festivals and in auspicious occasions.<ref>{{cite book|lang=ta|title=Tamiḻar icai|first=Ē. Eṉ.|last=Perumāḷ|year=1985|publisher=[[University of Michigan]]|page=870}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/secular-and-sacred/article4268995.ece|title=Secular and sacred|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 January 2013|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> In the last century, the dance has became increasingly associated with funerals rather than auspicious occasions and confined to [[Dalit]] communities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/parai-then-and-now-instrument-plays-key-role-anti-caste-struggle-154197|title=The parai: Then and now, the instrument plays a key role in anti-caste struggle|date=21 August 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Newsminute}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Caste, Communication and Power|year=2021|isbn=978-9-391-37090-9|publisher=SAGE Publications|editor1=Biswajit Das|editor2=Debendra Prasad Majhi}}</ref> ''Thappattam'' was a tribal dance played using a similar percussion instrument called ''Thappu'', along with Puliyattam, but since the later middle ages, thappattam and pariattam were started to be used interchangeably.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/when-you-go-in-search-of-the-famous-vadipatti-thappu-you-are-bound-to-stumble-upon-interesting-bits-of-history-behind-the-folk-performance-art/article19629920.ece|title=High and upbeat|date=6 September 2017|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
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{{Main|Poikkaal Kuthirai Aattam}}
Poikkaal Kuthirai literally means "false foot horse" in Tamil. It is a folk dance form where the dancers get into a wooden frame designed like the body of a horse on his/her hips.<ref>{{cite book|title=Historical Dictionary of the Tamils|first=Vijaya|last=Ramaswamy|year=2017|isbn=978-1-538-10686-0|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|page=112}}</ref> This is made of light-weighted materials and the cloth at the sides swings to and fro covering the legs of the dancer. The dancer dons wooden legs which sound like the hooves of the horse. The dancer brandishes either a sword or a whip. This folk dance needs much training and skill. This dance is accompanied by Naiyandi melam or Band music or Folk music. This folk dance is performed to the worship of Amman Temple Festivals, Ayyanar, Abinesh prevails [[Thanjavur]].<ref name=mills592>Mills et al., p592</ref> A dance performed with false legs i.e. by tying wooden sticks to the legs. Wooden sticks are covered up so that the performer will appear to look taller than usual, for viewers.<ref>{{cite news|title=A life devoted to art|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/09/stories/2007040914850200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815061335/http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/09/stories/2007040914850200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 August 2010|date=9 April 2007|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Madurai, India}}</ref>


[[File:Puliyattam.png|thumb|upright=0.8|[[Puliyattam]]]]
===Puliyattam or Puli Aattam(Tiger Dance)===
{{Details|Puliyattam}}
=== Puliyattam ===
{{Main|Puliyattam}}
[[Pulaiyattam]] is an old folk art dance of Tamilnadu state of India. A highly exuberant and cultural festival, this dance form usually comprises a troupe of 6 performers aping the movements of the majestic, predatory tigers. Their bodies are painted by the painstaking efforts of local artists in vibrant yellow and black to resemble an exact replica of a tiger. The paintings include the ferocious looking fangs and convincing headgear replete with ears paws with claws and long tail that conjures an accurate picture of the savage beast’s graceful movements.
Puliyattam is a folk dance usually performed by males, who paint themselves in yellow and black using [[limonite]] and [[charcoal]] respectively to resemble a tiger's stripes.<ref name="Puli"/> They also wear masks, fuzzy ears, paws, [[fangs]] and a tail to imitate a tiger.<ref name="Puli"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Snodgrass|first=Mary Ellen|title=The Encyclopedia of World Folk Dance|year=2016|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-4422-5749-8|page=26}}</ref> The dancers then try to imitate a tiger's movements displaying ferocity.<ref name="Tiger"/> They may perform movements similar to a tiger stalking a prey.<ref name="Tiger"/> Sometimes, the dance is performed as a group with each dancer trying to show off who imitates the tiger to the best.<ref name="Tiger">{{cite book|title=Spirit of the Tiger|year=2012|isbn=978-1-445-45472-6|publisher=Parragon Publishing|page=206}}</ref> The dancers keep [[lemon]] wedges in the lips, so that the mouth does not dry while making purring noises imitating a tiger.<ref>{{cite book|title=Western Music and Its Others:Difference, Representation, and Appropriation in Music|page=116|year=2000|publisher=University of California Press|editor1=David Hesmondhalgh|editor2=Georgina Born}}</ref> The dance is usually performed during Navrathri and other temple festivals.<ref name="Tiger"/>

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[[File:Poikkal-kuthirai-attam-performer.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|A [[Poikkaal Kuthirai Aattam|Poikkal Kuthirai]] performer]]
=== Puraviattam ===
⚫
{{Main|Poikkaal Kuthirai Aattam}}
Poikkaal Kuthirai literally means "false foot horse" in Tamil and the dance uses a dummy horse.<ref>{{cite book|title=Sangeet Natak|issue=59-62|year=1981|publisher=Sangeet Natak Akademi|page=35}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Traditions of Indian Folk Dance|first=Kapila|last=Vatsyayan|year=1987|page=337|isbn=978-8-185-12022-5|publisher=Clarion Books}}</ref> Puraviattam or Poikkal kuthiraiattam is a folk dance form where the dancers get into a wooden frame designed like the body of a horse on his/her hips.<ref>{{cite book|title=Historical Dictionary of the Tamils|first=Vijaya|last=Ramaswamy|year=2017|isbn=978-1-538-10686-0|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|page=112}}</ref> The dummy horse is made of jute, cardboard or paper and richly decorated with glass pieces. The dance is performed by both men and women.<ref name="Puravai"/> The dancer enacts movements as if he/she is riding on a horse back.<ref name="Puravai">{{cite book|title=Indian States At A Glance 2008-09: Performance, Facts And Figures - Tamil Nadu|first=Bhandari|last=Laveesh|year=2009|isbn=978-8-317-2347-0|publisher=Pearson Education|page=28}}</ref> The art was popularized in the early [[Chola]] period and finds mention in the Tamil epic ''[[Silappadikaram]]'' as "marakkal attam", a dance with wooden legs.<ref name="Enc"/> Wooden legs are used by the performers to look taller like a horse and sound like the hooves of a horse.<ref name="Enc">{{cite book|title=Encyclopaedia Indica:India, Pakistan, Bangladesh|volume=130|year=1996|publisher=Anmol Publications|first=Shyam Singh|last=Shashi|page=957}}</ref><ref name="Oyil"/> The dancers may sometimes brandish a [[sword]] or a [[whip]] and the dance is accompanied by folk music.<ref name="Oyil"/>


===Shattam dance ===
===Shattam dance ===
This form of art is devoted to 'Perumal' (Maha Vishnu). In this dance the performers forming a group, with one of them acting the buffoon, dance to the music of percussion instrument like 'urumi'. The classical songs and the measured steps with graceful movements are the special features of Sevai Attam. In Sangam works this had been known as 'Pinther Kuruvai'. In those days this was performed at the rear of a chariot procession either of a king or a deity.
This form of art is devoted to 'Perumal' (Maha Vishnu). In this dance the performers forming a group, with one of them acting the buffoon, dance to the music of percussion instrument like 'urumi'. The classical songs and the measured steps with graceful movements are the special features of Sevai Attam. In Sangam works this had been known as 'Pinther Kuruvai'. In those days this was performed at the rear of a chariot procession either of a king or a deity.
no image
no image

===Parai Attam===
[[Parai Attam]] is a traditional dance that involves the [[parai]], a rhythmic beat instrument. The subtle form of dance accompanied by captivating music, is an ancient rural folk art. Earlier it was used in wars too.


===Koothu===
===Koothu===
Line 102: Line 104:
The whirring sound of 'urumi' providing the melody and the beat of the Thappu providing the rhythm, accompany the dance sequence in this kind of temple art form. This is performed especially in Amman temples during the month of Adi. Nowadays, this art form is found only in selected villages in a few districts.
The whirring sound of 'urumi' providing the melody and the beat of the Thappu providing the rhythm, accompany the dance sequence in this kind of temple art form. This is performed especially in Amman temples during the month of Adi. Nowadays, this art form is found only in selected villages in a few districts.


===Villu Paatu===
[[File:Villuppaattu.jpg|thumb|Tamil folk artists presenting Villupattu]]
In [[Villu Paatu]], the main singer is accompanied by a chorus, musical instruments and a main instrument, the Villu or Bow, fixed with bells . The villu is struck rhythmically when the bells jingle in tune. The main singer relates a tale, interspersed with lively songs. This musical tradition is exclusive to southern Tamil Nadu (Nellai to Kanyakumari) and southern Kerala.<ref>Mills et al., pp71&ndash;72</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 02:06, 7 February 2024

Dance forms of Tamil Nadu elaborates the various dance forms originated and practiced in the Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of the India. Tamil Nadu is the home of the Tamil people, who speak Tamil language, one of the oldest surviving languages with archaeological evidence pointing to the Tamilakam region being inhabited for more than 400 millennia and more than 5,500 years of continuous cultural history. Hence, culture have seen multiple influences over the years and have developed diversely. With its diverse culture, many forms of individual and group dances have their origins in the region and are practiced.

Background and history

Historically, the region had been inhabited for more than 400 millennia ago and has more than 5,500 years of continuous cultural history.[1][2] Tamil Nadu is the home of the Tamil people, who speak Tamil language, one of the oldest surviving languages.[3] The Tamilakam region has been ruled over by many kindgoms, major of which are the Sangam era (300 BC–AD 300) rulers of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya clans, the Pallava dynasty (3rd–9th century), and the later Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th century).[4] The region was under European colonization for two centuries before the Indian Independence in 1947.[5][6] Hence, culture have seen multiple influences over the years and have developed diversely. In the Sangam era, art forms were classified into: iyal (poetry), isai (music) and nadakam (drama).[7] With its diverse culture, many forms of individual and group dances have their origins in the region and are practiced.

Dance forms

Bharatanatyam

A Bharatanatyam performer
Main article: Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is a major genre of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu.[8][9][10] It is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India.[11] The name of the dance is a combination of the Tamil word Bharatam, a backronym with bha standing for bhavam (feelings, emotions), ra for ragam (melody, framework for musical notes), tam for talam (rhythm) and Natyam, a Sanskrit word for "dance".[12][13][14] A description of the dance is found in the 2nd century CE Sangam literature of Silappatikaram, while temple sculptures from the early middle ages of 6th to 9th century CE project the dance form.[15] The theoretical foundations of the dance are found in Kootha Nool in Tamil and in Natya Shastra, a Sanskrit text of performance arts.[16][17]

Traditionally, Bharatanatyam was a solo dance that was performed exclusively by women.[18][19] The dance is characterized by the fixed upper torso with bent legs or flexed out knees combined with various footwork and a number of gestures of the hands, eyes and face muscles.[12] The dance might be accompanied by music and a singer and typically a guru is present as the director and conductor of the performance and art.[8] The dance has traditionally been a form of an interpretive narration of mythical legends, religious and spiritual ideas from the Hindu texts.[18] The repertoire of the dance has developed into nrita (pure dance), nritya (solo expressive dance) and natya (group dramatic dance).[18][20]

Bhagavatha nadanam

The dance form narrates the life and stories of the avatars of Hindu god Vishnu.[21] It is usually performed during Navrathri or festivals like Gokulashtami.[21]

Bommalattam

Doll marionettes used in Bommalattam

Bommalattam is a type of puppetry that originated in the region.[22] The origin of the art is uncertain.[23] It uses various doll marionettes which are 1–3 ft (0.30–0.91 m) tall and are manipulated by rods and strings attached to the heads, back, arms and legs.[23] The puppets are made of light weight wood and are dressed in colored costumes bulked up by paper stuffings.[23]

Puppeteers stand overhead and operate the puppets by the strings. The puppets are operated behind a white screen illuminated by a lantern or oil lamps.[23] The puppeteers wear bells which are sounded along with the movements with background music played by traditional instruments and narration of stories.[23] The themes are drawn from various Hindu scriptures such as the Puranas and epics and/with local folklore.[23] The puppet shows are held during festivals and fairs and as a part of rituals to ward of evil forces, prevent epidemics, end drought by invoking rain.[23]

Chakkaiattam

Chakkaiaattam is a form of folk dance practiced majorly in South Central parts of the state.[24] It is a social dance performed by a group of men or women with no specific theme.[25] The dance may be accompanied by music and songs and are performed usually as an invocation to Tamil gods such as Murugan or Mariamman.[24] The dancers hold wooden sticks measuring about 7 in (180 mm) long and strung in a thread between the fingers which are used to produce different sounds.[25]

Devaraattam

Devarattam is a folk dance form.[26] Deverattam means "Dance of the Gods" in Tamil.[27] The act is performed generally by males who wear costumes, make-up and may wear different face masks suiting the theme enacted.[26] Even female characters are played by males.[26] Devarattam is an abstract dance with no words used and the dancers use various expressions to express various themes, that is derived from the aspects of nature, animals and birds.[26][28] It is performed at weddings, festivals and ritual occasions.[28]

Kai silambattam

Silambu is a hollow anklet made up of a metal such as copper and filled with iron or silver beads that produce noise when the wearer moves or dances.[29][30] It is generally worn by women on the leg, termed as kālchilambu in Tamil in contrast to kāichilambu held in the hand.[31] For the dance, the dancers wear anklets and hold a silambu in their hands to make noises while dancing.[31] The dance is performed in temples during Amman festivals or Navaratri festival especially to praise female deities like Durga or Kali.[21]

Karakattam

A Karakattam performance
Main article: Karakattam

Karakattam is a folk dance involving dancers balancing clay or metal pot(s) on the head while making movements with the body.[32][33] The pot may be empty or sometimes filled with water.[34] The pot is decorated with colorful flowers and leaves mostly neem, which is of medicinal and religious importance to the Tamils.[35] The performer may sometimes carry multiple pots layered on top of the other.[36] This dance is usually associated with the worship of Amman.[21] The art form was traditionally practiced by women who wore saris and men may join them, posing with different make-up as a part of the story line and played in festivals and fairs.[36] In the 21st century, the dance has sometimes obtained a reputation for vulgarity as it has been subjected to significant changes, with women wearing short skirts, showing of their midriff and bright make-up.[36]

Kavadiaattam

Kavadi Aattam
Main article: Kavadi Aattam

Kavadi Aattam is a often a ceremonial act of sacrifice and offering to Hindu gods especially Murugan.[37] Kavadi (meaning "burden" in Tamil) itself is a physical burden emphasizing debt bondage and by bearing the kavadi, the dancer implores the gods for assistance, usually on behalf of a loved one who is in need of healing, or as a means of balancing a spiritual debt.[38] The kavadi is usually a wooden stick balanced on the shoulders with weights tied to the ends, usually pots of cow milk and the dancers may also do a form of mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with skewers.[39] The dance is accompanied by drumming and chanting of verses help them enter a state of trance and Vibuthi, a type of holy ash is spread across the body.[39] The dancers often prepare for the rituals by keeping clean, doing regular prayers, following a vegetarian diet and fasting while remaining celibate.[40] They carry the kavadi and dance with bare feet usually en route to a pilgrimage.[41]

Kolattam

Kolattam

Kolattam is an ancient folk dance usually performed by women with Kol meaning "stick" in Tamil[42][43] The dance uses two small sticks, one in each hand.[44] The dancers generally stand in a circular formation and beat the sticks to make specific rhythms while singing songs.[44] The dancers may beat the sticks in their own hands or with the sticks held by other dancers.[43] The dancers may form multiple circles with dancers changing pairs with the members of adjacent circles to make the beats.[45] The dance is usually dedicated to gods or goddesses.[44] The dance is performed during the harvest season and for a fortnight in the Karthigai month of Tamil calendar.[43] There are different variants such as pinnal kolattam and chakke kolattam.[44] Pinnal kolattam uses ropes instead of sticks.[43]

Kummiattam

Main article: Kummi

Kummiattam is a folk dance similar to Kolattam, with the difference being that hands are used to make sounds while dancing in kummiattam instead of sticks used in the later.[46] The dancers form a rhythm by clapping the hands in different postures.[47] The dance is performed during religious ceremonies, functions and festivals such as Pongal, generally by women.[48][21]

Kuravanji

Kuravanji attam was a dance form originated from the Kuravar people. Six to eight women dance to different tunes in the form of a folk ballet.[49] The kuravanji originated as a form of Shaivism, dancing as a tribute to god Shiva though Kuravanjis for Vishnu also exist.[49] The earliest known is the Thirukutrala Kuravanji.[49] The dance has become a blend of classic and folk dances performed by Devadasis in temples.[21] In the recent years, Kuravanji dancers are men who dress up as women, often as consorts of Shiva or Vishnu and try to out dance each other.[49]

Mayilattam

Mayilattam
Main article: Mayilattam

Mayilattam is a folk dance wherein dancers dressed as peacocks with peacock feathers, glittering head-dresses and beak perform to various folk songs and tunes.[21] It literally translates to "peacock dance".[50] The dance is usually dedicated to god Murugan and performers usually seat themselves upon a wooden peacock replica, which is the mount of the deity.[51][21] The dancers often stand on tall wooden pieces and operate the feathers using a thread or rope.[52] Other variations include Kaalaiattam where dancers dress up like a bull and Karadiattam where dancers dress up like a bear.[21]

Nondi natakam

Nondi natakam is a folk dance from the seventeenth century which is accompanied by simple narration and music.[21] The dancer dances on a single leg, portraying a one-legged man, his experience of love and achieving salvation.[21]

Ottan koothu

Ottan koothu is a tribal dance form originated from Ottas, a tribal group in the state.[53] It is performed by both men and women in a small group. The ritual dance is performed during festive occasions and depict episodes from Hindu epics and other ancient stories.[53]

Oyilattam

Oyilattam
Main article: Oyilattam

Oyilattam is a folk dance with origins from southern Tamil Nadu and practiced in southern and western Kongu Nadu regions.[54][55] Oyilattam literally means "dance of beauty".[56] It was traditionally a war dance where few men wearing ankle bells would stand in a line with pieces of colored cloth perform rhythmic steps to the accompanying music.[57] The dance is often performed to narrate the story of lord Murugan.[21] In the recent years, women have also started performing the dance.[56] Oyil Kummi is a fusion of oyilattam with kummi.[47]

Paampattam

Main article: Paampu attam

Paampattam (literally meaning "snake dance") is performed by young girls, who wear specifically designed costumes emulating a snake skin.[21][58] Snakes are worshiped in many parts of the state and the dance is considered a tribute to the same.[58] The dancers often lie-down on their back and move along the ground trying to emulate the movements of a snake and also use their hands to mimic the hood of a snake and intimidate the viewers.[58]

Paraiattam

Paraiattam

Paraiattam is a traditional dance that involves dancing while playing the parai, an ancient percussion instrument.[59] The instrument was one of the ancient native music instruments developed and used by the Tamil people and mentioned in Sangam literature such as Kuṟuntokai and Tirumurai.[60][61] In paraiattam , the player of the instrument is also the dancer.[62] The parai is slung by a cloth strap called Nadai over one shoulder vertically and is held between the other hand and the performer's body.[63][64] Two wooden sticks are used for beating the drum, one longer made of bamboo, called as Sundu Kuchi and another shorter, thicker stick of any wood, called as Adi Kucchi, to produce different beats while dancing.[65] According to Hindu mythology and folk stories, it is believed that the notes for the dance originated from gods Shiva and Parvati.[66] The dance was performed during festivals and in auspicious occasions.[67][68] In the last century, the dance has became increasingly associated with funerals rather than auspicious occasions and confined to Dalit communities.[69][70] Thappattam was a tribal dance played using a similar percussion instrument called Thappu, along with Puliyattam, but since the later middle ages, thappattam and pariattam were started to be used interchangeably.[71]

Puliyattam

Puliyattam

Main article: Puliyattam

Puliyattam is a folk dance usually performed by males, who paint themselves in yellow and black using limonite and charcoal respectively to resemble a tiger's stripes.[72] They also wear masks, fuzzy ears, paws, fangs and a tail to imitate a tiger.[72][73] The dancers then try to imitate a tiger's movements displaying ferocity.[74] They may perform movements similar to a tiger stalking a prey.[74] Sometimes, the dance is performed as a group with each dancer trying to show off who imitates the tiger to the best.[74] The dancers keep lemon wedges in the lips, so that the mouth does not dry while making purring noises imitating a tiger.[75] The dance is usually performed during Navrathri and other temple festivals.[74]

A Poikkal Kuthirai performer

Puraviattam

Main article: Poikkaal Kuthirai Aattam

Poikkaal Kuthirai literally means "false foot horse" in Tamil and the dance uses a dummy horse.[76][77] Puraviattam or Poikkal kuthiraiattam is a folk dance form where the dancers get into a wooden frame designed like the body of a horse on his/her hips.[78] The dummy horse is made of jute, cardboard or paper and richly decorated with glass pieces. The dance is performed by both men and women.[42] The dancer enacts movements as if he/she is riding on a horse back.[42] The art was popularized in the early Chola period and finds mention in the Tamil epic Silappadikaram as "marakkal attam", a dance with wooden legs.[79] Wooden legs are used by the performers to look taller like a horse and sound like the hooves of a horse.[79][56] The dancers may sometimes brandish a sword or a whip and the dance is accompanied by folk music.[56]

Shattam dance

This form of art is devoted to 'Perumal' (Maha Vishnu). In this dance the performers forming a group, with one of them acting the buffoon, dance to the music of percussion instrument like 'urumi'. The classical songs and the measured steps with graceful movements are the special features of Sevai Attam. In Sangam works this had been known as 'Pinther Kuruvai'. In those days this was performed at the rear of a chariot procession either of a king or a deity. no image

Koothu

Theru koothu is possibly the most popular entertainment forms in rural Tamil Nadu.[80] It literally means "street party". These are shows that resemble musical plays and are normally conducted during village festivals, during the Tamil months of Panguni and Aadi. The show is put up at the junction of three or four streets in open air theaters/makeshift stages, and the place is lit by gas lights. A wooden bench is set up to seat the singers and the music troupe. Make-up and costumes are considered of prime importance. Traditionally, only men take part; the female roles are also played by them.[81] The performance consists of story-telling, dialogue-rendering, singing and dancing, all performed by the artists having good performing skills. The stories are taken from Puranas (ancient texts), epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, and also local folklore. The play starts late in the evening and goes on until late in the night.

Theru Koothu is more popular in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. The Koothu can be categorised as Nattu Koothu, including Vali Koothu, Kuravai Koothu etc. Samaya Koothu dealing with religious topics, Pei Koothu including Thunangai Koothu and Porkala Koothu dealing with martial events.[82][83][84]

Urumi Attam

The whirring sound of 'urumi' providing the melody and the beat of the Thappu providing the rhythm, accompany the dance sequence in this kind of temple art form. This is performed especially in Amman temples during the month of Adi. Nowadays, this art form is found only in selected villages in a few districts.


References

  1. ^ "The Washington Post : Very old, very sophisticated tools found in India. The question is: Who made them?". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Skeletons dating back 3,800 years throw light on evolution". The Times of India. 1 January 2006. Retrieved 11 June 2008.
  3. ^ "A rare inscription". The Hindu. 1 July 2005. Retrieved 11 June 2008.
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Further Reading

See also

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