Influence of farming culture on the folk arts and rituals of north malabar region of Kerala state

Abstract

The research project entitled" Influence of Farming Culture on the Folk arts and Rituals of North Malabar region of Kerala state" had the following as its objectives, viz; to study the overall influence of fanning culture on folk arts and rituals, to identify the specific elements as influenced by farming culture, to assess their scientific rationale and to analyze the locational and contextual differences in folklore elements, if any. The study was conducted in the apt location for the purpose, 'Kolathunadu' , which is hailed to be the repository of folk art forms and rituals in the available literature. The study followed an exploratory research design with much scope of flexibility in the data collection process, since the methods involved were participatory appraisals, oral history narrations, expert opinions, observations, etc. The qualitative data gathered through these methods were again subjected to qualitative analysis and the findings were put to test their rationality by experts in the fields of folklore, agriculture and allied sectors. The conclusion thus reached, or the observations made rather, throw light upon the strong bonds between farming culture and the folk arts and rituals. They further pave way for furtherance of the research in future by probing deeper into several aspects left untouched to this date.

The study reveals that most folk art forms like Theyyam, Chimmaankkali etc. have evidently been originated from an ancient agrarian society, which had a deep rooted stand in farming culture. The lyrics of their songs, the content of their myth, the season of the performance - all show the strong bond with farming culture. To the negative side, folk arts and rituals had once upon a time catered to protect the feudal agrarian relations. But still, another plus point of these rituals in connection with farming culture is that they prompt the public to conserve the ecosystems may be through superstitions, taboos, etc. By hook or crook, they promote eco-friendly farming, supplementing our endeavor towards a "Greener Kerala".