Folk Dance and Drama During the Cankam Age
By J. Sumathi
Summary
The Cankam period (circa 300 BCE–300 CE) in Tamil Nadu featured a rich tradition of folk dances and dramas, as evidenced by Sangam literature like *Tolkappiyam*, *Eṭṭutokai*, and epics such as *Silappatikāram* and *Manimekalai*. These works highlight diverse dance forms tied to the region's five landscapes: *Kuṟunji* (hills), *Mullai* (forests), *Marudham* (plains), *Neithal* (coasts), and *Pālai* (deserts). Common dances included *kūṭṭu*, characterized by informal performances depicting epic scenes, and *kalaṉalai-k-kūṭṭu*, honoring soldiers. *Kurāvāi kūṭṭu*, performed by groups of women in circular formations, varied regionally—*meenavarkurāvāi* (fishermen), *iṭaiyarkurāvāi* (shepherds), and *verikkurāvāi* (ferocious Kurāvar soldiers). Professional dancers (*virāliyars*, *kūttar*) received royal patronage and performed with jewelry, bells, and elaborate hairstyles. Ritual dances like *vēṭṭuvavari* (trance-like *kūṭṭu* for Murugan) and *tuṉaṅkai* (post-battle dances) were linked to specific contexts. *Kūṭam kūttu* (pot dances) and *kōṭu-kōṭṭi* (divine dances) reflected cultural and mythological themes. These practices underscored Tamil society's creative expression, social dynamics, and regional identity, with *kūṭṭu* later spreading across South India.
Conclusion
This study of folk dance and drama during the Caṅkam period reveals their integral role in social expression, religious practices, and cultural identity in ancient Tamil society. The analysis highlights how dance forms like *kūṭṭu*, *Kurāvāi*, and *kuṭam kūttu* were deeply tied to specific landscapes, communities, and rituals, reflecting the era's socio-economic dynamics. The documentation of *virāliyars* and their royal patronage underscores the artistic and economic support systems that sustained these traditions. The persistence of such art forms in rural South India today, despite modern changes, emphasizes their enduring cultural significance. By reviving interest through workshops and schools, efforts to preserve these traditions can help maintain a vital link to Tamil heritage, ensuring the survival of an art form that once thrived as a cornerstone of communal and spiritual life.