In a statement issued by A.S. Shankarapandian, General Secretary of Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI), he stated as follows:
Paraiyattam is one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest traditional folk art forms. It is mentioned in works such as the Tolkappiyam. The art came to be called Paraiyattam because performers play the musical instrument called the Parai while moving their bodies in rhythm. In ancient times, the Parai was used to announce messages on battlefields, gather people, warn of danger and protect against animals.
It later became an integral part of village festivals, temple festivals and weddings. The sound of the Parai has a powerful ability to bring people together. As it evokes emotions including intensity, joy, awakening and valour, the art came to be regarded as a symbol of protest. Over time, it was pushed into being associated with a particular community and marginalised as an instrument used only at funerals.
In a situation where Parai artists came to be invited only for funerals, by the 1950s it was regarded as a symbol of humiliation imposed on a particular community and of the cruelty of untouchability. In protest, people stopped playing the Parai, burned Parai instruments and staged protests. This is regarded as an event opposing caste-based occupational imposition and untouchability.
Due to several factors including the dominance of classical music, urbanisation and Western film music, and declining interest in traditional arts, Paraiyattam slipped from public view and became like a child seeking support. It is not a symbol of shame; it is a symbol of Tamil culture. Appropriate measures are necessary to protect it. The traditional folk art of Paraiyattam should be included in the curriculum and proper training should be provided.
To improve the livelihoods of artists who depend on this art, it should be included in government functions and awareness programmes. To encourage practitioners, they should be included in government events relating to books, tourism and other activities held in every district, and honoured with awards. Financial assistance should also be provided to those engaged in making Parai instruments. There is an urgent need for the Tamil Nadu Government to focus on reviving declining folk arts.
Head Office,
Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI).
