Folk music has been part of Kerala culture for millennia. It communicates the stories that lie hidden beneath its surface while providing insight into life there and among its people. A sophisticated art, folk music encompasses numerous musical instruments.
Carnatic music holds a special place in Kerala culture and was popularised by Swathi Thirunal, the musician king of Travancore. This genre uses various instruments like tamburas and mridangams.
Ottamthullal
Folk songs require great dexterity in performance. Accompanied by various musical instruments and played in numerous styles, folk songs often represent everyday life or emotions in local languages while at the same time can express love or romance. Temple festivals feature folk songs in particular; one such form called Chenda Melam features multiple types of percussion instruments including kombu and kuzhal while classical forms from Kerala like Ayatha Pattu, Oppana Pattu, and Mappila Pattu may feature many forms that usually perform over several sessions with both climaxes and anti-climaxes for performances that give audiences unforgettable musical experiences.
Ottamthullal is a folk art from Kerala that was developed during the 18th century by Kunchan Nambiar, a mizhavu percussionist. According to legend, after being criticized by Chakyar Koothu artist Chakyar Koothu for dozing off during a show, Kunchan decided to create Ottamthullal instead. While less extravagant than Kathakali but still featuring elements of humor.
Ottamthullal music is also widely popular with Kerala’s Muslim population and features themes of heroism, religion, love and humor. Ottamthullal’s lyrics draw upon Puranas but contain amusing anecdotes which make the compositions even more enjoyable to audiences. Ottamthullal’s more casual tone provides performers with greater scope to improvise on prevalent social-political equations in Kerala while making fun of them through musical entertainment.
Ottamthullal art form comes in three varieties, Seethankan thullal, Parayan thulal, and Ottan thulal. Each variant differs by poetry meter, performance venue and costume design and embellishments worn. Costumes in Ottamthullal are simpler than in Kathakali with artists wearing bundles of tender coconut leaves pinned to their heads as part of the performance attire.
Ottamthullal’s roots can be traced to ritual Theyyam performances; however, its bhavas can stand alone without needing the presence of Theyyam performances to exist. Indeed, some older villagers in Kerala believe Ottamthullal can even attract younger audiences! But they fear that these songs are at risk due to modern living; especially Njattupattu variety which is on its way towards extinction and Nudiyettu which may also soon follow suit. One such threat is posed by the increasing use of tractors, leading to an increase in people not having time to listen to traditional songs. Furthermore, modern electronic instruments are lessening their appeal; yet these songs continue to gain in popularity within urban settings as well. Some even appear on film soundtracks. They are being employed by advertising agencies and commercial establishments as promotional pieces.
Pulluvan Pattu
Pulluvan Pattu, a traditional folk song of Kerala, involves dancing and singing. It has deep connections with snakes which are worshipped as gods in this music; singers perform rituals to keep these snake gods happy. Pulluvars perform this music both within homes of lower castes as well as snake temples; their songs often depict heroism, religion, love or even satire themes.
Music used in this art includes various instruments, the Pulluvan Vina being of particular note; this instrument resembles a one-stringed violin and is played with a bow, as well as other musical instruments like Thaalam and Pushkaram. Performances often incorporate story telling with dance; for example relating events from one’s life such as serving in the army or experiencing heartache through love affairs or experiences from past relationships that led to this form of performance art.
Folk music dates back millennia in India. It played an essential part of Indian culture and contributed to other forms of music like classical and light. Some notable artists in this genre include Shadkala Govinda Marar, Ponnayya and Vativelu; these Carnatic masters also greatly advanced Kerala folk music development.
Kerala has an exceptional tradition of music, and Ottamthullal is no different. This ancient art combines poetry, dance and music into one cohesive performance using rhythm as its foundation. Ottamthullal stands out amongst Indian arts due to its own distinct characteristics and themes that set it apart.
Not only does Rajasthan possess traditional Indian music, but there is also an impressive repertoire of folk songs and traditions unique to the state. These tunes often depict local legends or events and are frequently performed during weddings or other celebrations as a way of unifying community members by celebrating their common culture.
Many folk songs are composed in an easy, accessible fashion; others contain more complex lyrics that add depth. Sung at special events like Onam or family gatherings and functions; they may even be performed by women to entertain their husbands!
Songs are traditionally performed for elder members of the family or priests. In past times, songs would often be performed at the end of Karkidakam month (considered a time of rain and poverty). Unfortunately, many folk songs have since been forgotten, which represents a serious loss for our state as part of its cultural heritage is at stake.
Manipravalam
Folk music of Kerala boasts an ancient legacy and has been passed down from generation to generation orally through oral tradition. Its lyrics reflect its people and regions of the state with simple yet universal melodies that speak of different occupations or professions in each song; some even feature dukku instruments used during ritualistic performances of Koothu (worship of snakes), which takes place for one full month between November and December by people of various castes and creeds.
Manipravalam is an original musical form that blends Hindu ragas with Malabar melodies and Kerala language into one musical composition, often depicting heroism, religion and love as its primary themes. Influenced by Arabic and Malabar musical traditions as well as temple music from Kerala.
Manipravalam performances traditionally took place in low-caste homes and snake temples, and Kathakali uses these songs. In contrast to classical music which is highly structured, Manipravalam songs tend to be less formal and spontaneous – they draw influence from Carnatic music’s microtone landscape as well.
These songs are performed by members of Kerala society belonging to the Paraya community – one of the lowest castes. They are typically sung during harvest festivals or religious festivals or temple performances; additionally they can also be heard when pilgrimages visit Sa(arimala) temple in Kerala where pilgrimages often last for days and nights with ceremonies dedicated to appeasing snake god and receiving his blessings.
Most songs accompanied by dukku (a percussion instrument similar to amru). Members of Paraya caste sing the koothu to please snake god and ceremonies are typically held between November and January each year.
Kerala has long been noted for its array of ragas. However, two popular styles include navarasas and yamanakas; among these navarasas use sharp notes while yamanakas are known for their slow tempo and soothing tone.
Although their styles differ greatly, both have similar themes and rhythms. In Kerala, these rhythms often stem from temple chanting; local musicians adopted these rhythms into folk music traditions of Kerala as part of its folk music traditions, creating something truly special which celebrates Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and holds a special place in all our hearts.