Arts and Crafts of Tamil Nadu
The rich cultural heritage of the land is manifested in the various Performing Arts of Tamil Nadu. The Performing Arts of Tamil Nadu provides the people of the state with a great deal of entertainment. They also reveal the talents that the Tamilians are blessed with. It is indeed a matter of great glory and prestige that there are so many people who excel in the various Performing Arts.
The Performing Arts of Tamil Nadu include
- Music
- Dance
- Theatre
Music can further be subdivided into several categories
- Film Songs
- Folk Songs
- Devotional Songs
- Carnatic Music
The Tamil Film industry has achieved nation wide fame for churning out a large number of films each year. Song and dance sequences are an integral part of these films. Film Songs is the most popular form of music in Tamil Nadu.
| Arts and Crafts in Tamil Nadu |
| Dances of Tamil Nadu | |
| Bharat Natyam | |
| Cultural Centers in Tamil Nadu | |
| Cholamandalam | Dakshinachitra |
| Kalakshetra Art Village | |
| Handicrafts of Tamil Nadu | |
| Metal Craft | Musical Instruments |
| Silk Weaving | |
The most prominent feature of the folk songs of Tamil Nadu is its vivacity. The state has a rich tradition of folk music even though it has remained confined mainly to the rural areas of Tamil Nadu. The Talams of the Pulayar community will certainly impress each listener with their lovely melodies. The initiatives taken by Vijayalakshmi Navaneethakrishnan and Pushpavanam Kuppuswamy to revive the interest of the people in folk songs are indeed commendable. Efforts like these will help the Performing Arts of Tamil Nadu to flourish.
The presence of the large number of temples indicates that the people of the state are very religious minded. Devotional songs sung in honor of the deities are a part of the customs.
Carnatic Music, one of the most renowned of the Performing Arts of Tamil Nadu has provided the people of Tamil Nadu with a lot of pleasure. This rich classical musical tradition is one of the oldest forms of music not only in India but also in the world. Melody and rhythm go hand in hand here. The stress is on vocal music which is why it is sung even when played on instruments.
Folk Theatre of the northern part of Tamil Nadu is known by the name of Kattaikkuttu or Terukkuttu. The theatre is integrally woven with the life of these rural people. The theatrical shows are thoroughly enjoyable because it is a blend of song, music, dance and drama. The performers adorn brightly colored costumes and put a lot of make up. The instruments that are used are harmonium, two drums, mukavinai and two sets of hand cymbals. A unique feature of the theatrical performance is that the actors sing themselves.
South Tamil Nadu also has its own form of theatre. However one distinctive difference is that there is a background singer in this case.
Of all the Performing Arts of Tamil Nadu, Bharatnatyam has received the greatest recognition throughout the world. It originated and developed in this state. The temples were the budding grounds of the artistes. This classical dance form can best be described as poetry in motion. The other Dances of Tamil Nadu consists of several other folk dances like Karagaattam, Kummi, Mayil Attam, Kolaattam, Oyil Kummi and many others.
It is indeed a pleasure to witness the Performing Arts of Tamil Nadu.
