The artist prepares for the demonstration of Kaniyan Koothu in the district of Tirunevel | Photo Credit: A. Shaikmohideen
The ADI Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Inpartment has started steps to create a digital storage called “Suvadugal”, which documented and preserves the traditional theater art of Adi Dravidar and tribal communities across Tamil Nadu.
According to official sources, the project is to digitally archive thousands of indigenous art forms and oral traditions that are gradually disappearing over time. Tamil Nadu is home to a pulsating number of artistic expressions – from folk dances and musical traditions to the creation of unique instruments and costumes – all deeply rooted in the cultural structure of these communities.
R. yesterday, the founder of the alternative media center, a non -profit organization working for the well -being of folk artists, said several artistic forms that are practiced by Adi Davidar and Tribal Community is now on the verge of extinction. These communities still carry out more than 560 art forms throughout the state. Some remarkable examples of Underling Single single Melam of Dindigul, Radha Kavadi of Nagapattnam, Kaniyan Koothan of Truneelvel, Periya Meam of Truvanalamalai, Perum Parai of Anthhyur and Mali Koothu from Dharmapuri.
However, many of these traditions remain either insufficiently documented or distorted in common cultural stories. They also face growing threats due to rapid socio-economic changes and lack of institutional support, said Mr. Kaleeswarean, who was also a former coordinator of art and literary units, Loyola College, Chennai.
“For example, Bootha Kabbalah Aatam is a unique ritual performance that appears only in specific temples in the Dharmapuri district. Today, only a handful of artists continues to practice.
The “SUVADUDUGAL” project seeks to document these endangered artistic forms and musical instruments in audiovisual formats and creates a complex digital archive to ensure their revival and transmission to future generations, he added.
Published – May 11, 2025 14:43
