50. Chinthu Viswanath

Abstract 50

Chinthu  Viswanath         

Theyyam as a Representative Traditional Art Form of Descent

Abstract 

Theyyam an art form commonly seen in northern parts of Kerala is usually performed in groove temples.  Mostly performed by the lower classes of the Hindu religion like Parayars, and Thiyyars, Theyyam is an art form which deeply marks the medieval feudal era in Kerala history. Most of the Theyyam myths share the lore of rebellion and protest of the lower caste people against oppression and injustice they suffer in the hands of feudal lords. Some Theyyam characters like Muchilottu Bhagavathi arise out of the dissent and protest against the cruel patriarchal hegemony. Theyyam could be seen as a traditional form expression of lower caste dissent against the unjust social customs and caste system.

Theyyam as an art form is also rich with the innumerable Thottam pattus which also narrates the history, culture and myth behind the origin of each Theyyam. The Thottam Pattu acts as a subtext to the actual Theyyam performance and unravels the cultural denotations. 

My paper would elaborate on Theyyam as an art  form of dissent. The paper would also analyze how Theyyam becomes a performance grounded in dissenting against the caste system, untouchability and patriarchy in medieval Kerala culture. While focusing on one or two Theyyam performances, the paper may also try to sketch the origin, history and expression of dissent in Theyyam performances.