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{{ | {{Short description|Tamil performing folk art}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}} | {{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}} | ||
{{Infobox music genre | {{Infobox music genre | ||
| name = Koothu | | name = Koothu | ||
| | | image = MET DP363734.jpg | ||
| image_size = 250 | |||
| caption = Koothu costumes, c.1700–1750 | |||
| stylistic_origins = [[Ancient Tamil music]], [[Dance forms of Tamil Nadu]] | | stylistic_origins = [[Ancient Tamil music]], [[Dance forms of Tamil Nadu]] | ||
| cultural_origins = | | cultural_origins = [[Tamilakam]] | ||
| derivatives = | | derivatives = [[Terukkuttu]], [[Kattaikkuttu]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Koothu''' or '''Therukoothu''' | '''Koothu''', or '''Therukoothu''', is an ancient [[Dance forms of Tamil Nadu|Tamil art form]], where artists enacted scenes from epics and folklore with dance and music. It is a form of storytelling art that originated in the early [[Tamilakam]], and served as an entertainment and a medium to educate the people about religion and history. Various forms exist such as [[Terukuttu]] and [[Kattaikkuttu]]. | ||
== Description == | |||
Koothu is an ancient [[Dance forms of Tamil Nadu|Tamil art form]], which is a form of [[Indian classical drama|drama]], where artists enacted scenes from epics and folklore with dance and music. It involves play performance along with narration and singing.<ref>{{cite book|title=Images of the Body in India: South Asian and European Perspectives on Rituals and Performativity|year=2012|isbn=978-1-13670-392-8|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]]|editor1=Axel Michaels|editor2=Christoph Wulf|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ui2pAgAAQBAJ&q=koothu|access-date=16 July 2024|archive-date=16 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716140334/https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Images_of_the_Body_in_India/ui2pAgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=koothu|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sangam literature]] such as ''[[Silappatikaram]]'' provide detailed description of the art form.<ref name="Vijay">{{cite book|title=Historical Dictionary of the Tamils|author=Vijaya Ramaswamy|year=2017|isbn=978-1-538-10686-0|publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]]|page=357}}</ref> The stories are drawn from Hindu epics such as [[Ramayana]] and [[Mahabharata]], mythology and folklore. Apart from entertainment, koothu also serves as a medium of education to the rural people about religion and history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tamilnadu.com/arts/therukoothu.html|title=Therukoothu|work=Tamilnadu.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619060246/http://tamilnadu.com/arts/therukoothu.html|archive-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> | |||
Koothu | == Variations == | ||
Koothu broadly consists of the art forms of [[Terukuttu]] and [[Kattaikkuttu]]. Terukkuttu refers to mobile performances in a procession, while Kattaikkuttu denotes narrative performance, often performed overnight, on a fixed performance space.<ref>{{cite web|title=Therukoothu: The People's Art|url=http://www.maduraimessenger.org/printed-version/2010/april/therukoothu-the-people-s-art/|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116191807/http://www.maduraimessenger.org/printed-version/2010/april/therukoothu-the-people-s-art/|archive-date=16 January 2014|access-date=11 December 2010|work=Times of Madurai}}</ref><ref name="The Hindu">{{cite web |last=Mangai |first=A. |date=26 March 2025 |title=How a koothu performance proved to be a social leveller |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/theatre/how-a-koothu-performance-proved-to-be-a-social-leveller/article69376224.ece |access-date=13 June 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=28 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250528161018/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/theatre/how-a-koothu-performance-proved-to-be-a-social-leveller/article69376224.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Koothu generally means a performance and is used as a part of the names denoting other specific art forms. These include Nattu Koothu, Kuravai Koothu, and Valli Koothu, which depict scenes from the state and culture of different peoples in Tamil country. Samaya Koothu showcases religious topics, while Porkaala Koothu, Pei Koothu, and Thunangai Koothu are focused on the martial arts and war of the country. Other forms include Chakyar Koothu and Ottan koothu, a tribal ritual dance form.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/tamilnadu/music-and-dance/theru-koothu.html|title=Theru Koothu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622055107/http://www.mapsofindia.com/tamilnadu/music-and-dance/theru-koothu.html |archive-date=22 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="Ottan">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s8vfAAAAMAAJ|page=226-227|title=Folk Dance Traditions of India|author=Shovana Narayan|publisher=Shubhi Publication|year=2004|isbn=978-81-87226-93-2 |access-date=16 July 2024|archive-date=16 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716140333/https://books.google.co.in/books?redir_esc=y&id=s8vfAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bommalattam]], a type of string [[puppetry]], is also referred to as thol pavai koothu (dance of leather dolls).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/arts-and-culture/shadow-play/article4705618.ece|title=Shadow play|date=15 May 2013|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|archive-date=22 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422134246/https://frontline.thehindu.com/arts-and-culture/shadow-play/article4705618.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== Performance == | |||
[[File:Aritharam.JPG|thumb|Koothu performer|upright=0.5]] | |||
== | The performers are called as "koothar".<ref name="Vijay"/> They wear elaborate wooden headgear, special costumes with swirling skirts, ornaments such as heavy anklets along with prominent face painting and make-up.<ref name="Koothu">{{cite book|title=Masks and Performance with Everyday Materials|first1=Gita|last1=Wolf|first2=V.|last2=Geetha|first3=Anushka|last3=Ravishankar|year=2003|isbn=978-8-18621-147-2|publisher=Tara Publishing|page=37-38|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c4XWU6kr1_UC&pg=PA37|access-date=16 July 2024|archive-date=16 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716140337/https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Masks_and_Performance_with_Everyday_Mate/c4XWU6kr1_UC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA37|url-status=live}}</ref> While traditionally the performers have been predominantly male, women have been included in modern times.<ref>{{cite web |last=Srinivasaraghavan |first=N. C. |date=7 October 2021 |title=Women take centre stage at Kattaikkuttu Sangam |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/theatre/women-take-centre-stage-at-kattaikkuttu-sangam/article]] | work=[[The Hindu]] |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
The art is a form of street theater, performed during festivals in open public places such as temples or village squares. It is usually dedicated to Hindu goddesses such as [[Mariamman]] or [[Draupadi]]. The dance is accompanied by music played from traditional instruments and the story is usually narrated by a ''kattiyakaran'' in the background during the performance.<ref name="Koothu" /> The artisians often train in a ''koothu pattarai'' (theatre workshop) under a nattuvanar (teacher).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/obituary/article25437297.ece|title=Remembered realities|date=8 November 2018|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]}}</ref> | |||
In | == Areas of practice == | ||
Koothu is an art form which has been practised in [[Tamil Nadu]] since the [[Sangam period]].<ref name="Vijay"/><ref>{{cite book|title=Indian Etiquette: A Glimpse Into India's Culture|author=Niraalee Shah|year=2021|isbn=978-1-63886-554-4|page=132|publisher=[[Notion Press]]}}</ref> Theater groups such as the [[Koothu-P-Pattarai]] have been performing the art form in the 21st century.<ref>{{cite web |last=Santhanam |first=Kausalya |date=21 September 2005 |title=Master of avant-garde theatre |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/11/28/stories/2008112850610300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202034312/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/11/28/stories/2008112850610300.htm |archive-date=2 December 2008 |access-date=1 February 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Koothu-P-Pattarai |date=21 September 2005 |url=http://www.india9.com/i9show/Koothu-P-Pattarai-57185.htm |access-date=1 February 2009 |work=India9 |archive-date=18 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091118173200/http://www.india9.com/i9show/Koothu-P-Pattarai-57185.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Dedicated schools such as Kattaikuthu Gurkulam and various training programmes have also been established for training artisans.<ref name="The Hindu"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/koothu-comes-to-town/article5702479.ece|title=Koothu comes to town|date=18 May 2016|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=2 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102092745/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/koothu-comes-to-town/article5702479.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In the early 2020s, the art form suffered a dip due to the [[COVID-19]] enforced [[COVID-19 lockdowns|lockdowns]], with artists struggling for means to earn a livelihood.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shekar |first=Anjana |date=18 June 2020 |title=Traditional folk artists across Tamil Nadu hit hard during lockdown |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/traditional-folk-artists-across-tamil-nadu-hit-hard-during-lockdown-126841 |access-date=13 June 2025| work=The News Minute }}</ref> | |||
== | Apart from Tamil Nadu, as Tamils migrated abroad to various countries such as Sri Lanka and Fiji, the art form was carried to those regions.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://saarcculture.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/diasporic-monograph.pdf|title=Diasporic Monograph|date=February 2016|page=181|work=[[SAARC]]|access-date=1 June 2025|archive-date=8 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108082331/https://saarcculture.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/diasporic-monograph.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Fiji">{{cite news|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2015/07/28/hindus-in-navua-mark-end-of-pooja/|title=Hindus In Navua Mark End Of Pooja|date=28 July 2015|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[Fiji Sun]]|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127141438/https://fijisun.com.fj/2015/07/28/hindus-in-navua-mark-end-of-pooja/|url-status=live}}</ref> In Fiji, it is called as "tirikutu" in Fiji, and is performed by males during temples festivals.<ref name="Fiji"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/devotees-prepare-for-prayer-ceremony/|title=Devotees prepare for prayer ceremony|date=26 May 2015|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[Fiji Times]]}}</ref> | ||
== See also == | |||
* [[Koodiyattam]] | |||
* [[Kathakali]] | |||
* [[Yakshagana]] | |||
* [[Dappankuthu]] | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [http://www.therukoothu.org Therukoothu.org] | * [http://www.therukoothu.org Therukoothu.org] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405193649/http://www.therukoothu.org/ |date=5 April 2013 }} | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUJPioz_lMk | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUJPioz_lMk Therukoothu documentary], Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation | ||
{{Dance in India}} | {{Dance in India}} | ||
[[Category:Tamil culture]] | [[Category:Tamil culture]] | ||
[[Category:Tamil dance styles]] | [[Category:Tamil dance styles]] | ||
[[Category:Classical theatre of india]] | [[Category:Classical theatre of india]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:40, 30 December 2025
| Koothu | |
|---|---|
 Koothu costumes, c.1700–1750 | |
| Stylistic origins | Ancient Tamil music, Dance forms of Tamil Nadu |
| Cultural origins | Tamilakam |
| Derivative forms | Terukkuttu, Kattaikkuttu |
Koothu, or Therukoothu, is an ancient Tamil art form, where artists enacted scenes from epics and folklore with dance and music. It is a form of storytelling art that originated in the early Tamilakam, and served as an entertainment and a medium to educate the people about religion and history. Various forms exist such as Terukuttu and Kattaikkuttu.
Description[edit | edit source]
Koothu is an ancient Tamil art form, which is a form of drama, where artists enacted scenes from epics and folklore with dance and music. It involves play performance along with narration and singing.[1] Sangam literature such as Silappatikaram provide detailed description of the art form.[2] The stories are drawn from Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, mythology and folklore. Apart from entertainment, koothu also serves as a medium of education to the rural people about religion and history.[3]
Variations[edit | edit source]
Koothu broadly consists of the art forms of Terukuttu and Kattaikkuttu. Terukkuttu refers to mobile performances in a procession, while Kattaikkuttu denotes narrative performance, often performed overnight, on a fixed performance space.[4][5] Koothu generally means a performance and is used as a part of the names denoting other specific art forms. These include Nattu Koothu, Kuravai Koothu, and Valli Koothu, which depict scenes from the state and culture of different peoples in Tamil country. Samaya Koothu showcases religious topics, while Porkaala Koothu, Pei Koothu, and Thunangai Koothu are focused on the martial arts and war of the country. Other forms include Chakyar Koothu and Ottan koothu, a tribal ritual dance form.[6][7] Bommalattam, a type of string puppetry, is also referred to as thol pavai koothu (dance of leather dolls).[8]
Performance[edit | edit source]
The performers are called as "koothar".[2] They wear elaborate wooden headgear, special costumes with swirling skirts, ornaments such as heavy anklets along with prominent face painting and make-up.[9] While traditionally the performers have been predominantly male, women have been included in modern times.[10]
The art is a form of street theater, performed during festivals in open public places such as temples or village squares. It is usually dedicated to Hindu goddesses such as Mariamman or Draupadi. The dance is accompanied by music played from traditional instruments and the story is usually narrated by a kattiyakaran in the background during the performance.[9] The artisians often train in a koothu pattarai (theatre workshop) under a nattuvanar (teacher).[11]
Areas of practice[edit | edit source]
Koothu is an art form which has been practised in Tamil Nadu since the Sangam period.[2][12] Theater groups such as the Koothu-P-Pattarai have been performing the art form in the 21st century.[13][14] Dedicated schools such as Kattaikuthu Gurkulam and various training programmes have also been established for training artisans.[5][15] In the early 2020s, the art form suffered a dip due to the COVID-19 enforced lockdowns, with artists struggling for means to earn a livelihood.[16]
Apart from Tamil Nadu, as Tamils migrated abroad to various countries such as Sri Lanka and Fiji, the art form was carried to those regions.[17][18] In Fiji, it is called as "tirikutu" in Fiji, and is performed by males during temples festivals.[18][19]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Axel Michaels; Christoph Wulf, eds. (2012). Images of the Body in India: South Asian and European Perspectives on Rituals and Performativity. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-13670-392-8. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Vijaya Ramaswamy (2017). Historical Dictionary of the Tamils. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 357. ISBN 978-1-538-10686-0.
- ↑ "Therukoothu". Tamilnadu.com. Archived from the original on 19 June 2013.
- ↑ "Therukoothu: The People's Art". Times of Madurai. Archived from the original on 16 January 2014. Retrieved 11 December 2010.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Mangai, A. (26 March 2025). "How a koothu performance proved to be a social leveller". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 28 May 2025. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
- ↑ "Theru Koothu". Archived from the original on 22 June 2011.
- ↑ Shovana Narayan (2004). Folk Dance Traditions of India. Shubhi Publication. p. 226-227. ISBN 978-81-87226-93-2. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
- ↑ "Shadow play". Frontline. 15 May 2013. Archived from the original on 22 April 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Wolf, Gita; Geetha, V.; Ravishankar, Anushka (2003). Masks and Performance with Everyday Materials. Tara Publishing. p. 37-38. ISBN 978-8-18621-147-2. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
- ↑ Srinivasaraghavan, N. C. (7 October 2021). "Women take centre stage at Kattaikkuttu Sangam". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X.
- ↑ "Remembered realities". Frontline. 8 November 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ Niraalee Shah (2021). Indian Etiquette: A Glimpse Into India's Culture. Notion Press. p. 132. ISBN 978-1-63886-554-4.
- ↑ Santhanam, Kausalya (21 September 2005). "Master of avant-garde theatre". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 December 2008. Retrieved 1 February 2009.
- ↑ "Koothu-P-Pattarai". India9. 21 September 2005. Archived from the original on 18 November 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2009.
- ↑ "Koothu comes to town". The Hindu. 18 May 2016. Archived from the original on 2 January 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ Shekar, Anjana (18 June 2020). "Traditional folk artists across Tamil Nadu hit hard during lockdown". The News Minute. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
- ↑ Diasporic Monograph (PDF). SAARC (Report). February 2016. p. 181. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Hindus In Navua Mark End Of Pooja". Fiji Sun. 28 July 2015. Archived from the original on 27 January 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Devotees prepare for prayer ceremony". Fiji Times. 26 May 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
External links[edit | edit source]
- Therukoothu.org Archived 5 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- Therukoothu documentary, Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation