Secular and Religious Contributions of Performing Arts in Tamil Society: Music, Dance, and Drama in Sangam, Pallava, and Chola Periods
By V. Balambal
Summary
The performing arts in Tamil society, encompassing music, dance, and drama, played significant secular and religious roles from ancient Sangam to Chola periods. Music and dance served practical purposes like crop protection, healing, and labor coordination, while also being integral to religious rituals and social change. Sangam literature highlights music’s therapeutic effects, with melodies soothing wounds and repelling animals or spirits. Women played central roles in these practices, singing during daily tasks and religious ceremonies. Musical instruments like the *yal* (bowed instrument) and *kuzhal* (flute) were used across regions, with distinct styles in Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, and Palai. Performers like *Panar*, *Padini*, and *Viraliyar* were respected for their skills in entertainment, mediation, and religious contexts. Royal patronage supported artists, who often served as messengers or entertainers in courts. The *Silappadikaram* provides detailed insights into musical scales, instruments, and performances, emphasizing their cultural and ritual significance.
Conclusion
The study of performing arts in Tamil society during the Sangam, Pallava, and Chola periods reveals their profound secular and religious contributions, shaping cultural and social dynamics. Music and dance served practical purposes, such as crop protection, healing, and communal bonding, while also reinforcing religious practices and divine communication. The intricate use of musical instruments, like the yal and kuzhal, and the role of artists like Panar and Viraliyar highlight the societal value placed on these traditions. Performing arts acted as a bridge between the human and divine, with musicians and dancers serving as conductors of social change and cultural continuity. The integration of music into daily life and rituals underscores its therapeutic and unifying power, reflecting the advanced understanding of its emotional and spiritual dimensions in ancient Tamil society.