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Parichamuttu Kali (
alayalam പരിചമുട്ട്കളി ) is an Indian martial-arts dance form of
Kerala
Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South ...
practiced by the
Saint Thomas Syrian Christians
The Saint Thomas Christians, also called Syrian Christians of India, ''Marthoma Suriyani Nasrani'', ''Malankara Nasrani'', or ''Nasrani Mappila'', are an ethno-religious community of Indian Christians in the state of Kerala (Malabar region), ...
who trace their origins to the evangelistic activity of
Thomas the Apostle
Thomas the Apostle ( arc, 𐡀𐡌𐡅𐡕𐡌, hbo, תוֹמא הקדוש or תוֹמָא שליחא (''Toma HaKadosh'' "Thomas the Holy" or ''Toma Shlikha'' "Thomas the Messenger/Apostle" in Hebrew-Aramaic), syc, ܬܐܘܡܐ, , meaning "twi ...
in the 1st century.
It is performed by men bearing swords and shields and follows the movements and steps of
Kalarippayattu
Kalaripayattu (; also known simply as Kalari) is an Indian martial art that originated in modern-day Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India. Kalaripayattu is known for its long-standing history within Indian martial arts, and is ...
. This dance is closely related to
Margam Kali
Margamkali (Malayalam:മാർഗ്ഗംകളി ) is an ancient Indian round dance of the St. Thomas Christians community- based in Kerala state, mainly practiced by the endogamous sub-sect known as the Knanaya or Southist Christians. The ...
. Parichamuttu Kali was also performed by
Harijans.
Etymology
The first term in the name is a compound of the Malayalam words ''paricha'', shield, and ''muttuka'', bring them close to each other.
The second part, ''kali'', means "play". In this case, the play refers to how the dance is a mock performance as opposed to ''ankam'' which means "fight".
History
The martial nature of these dances appear to come from 11th century 'suicide squad' soldiers in feudal Kerala called "Chavettu Pada". These were employed by the Cheras on multiple occasions and eventually lead to the defeat of the Cholas. This military unit style was employed in the following centuries by feudal overlords. Squad members often dedicated themselves to deities worshipped in local temples and viewed battle with the enemy as orders given by a god or goddess. These men were rigorously trained and where often maintained in peace time as security forces for notable temples.
The origin of the Parichamuttu Kali in particular can be traced back to ancient days when
Kalarippayattu
Kalaripayattu (; also known simply as Kalari) is an Indian martial art that originated in modern-day Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India. Kalaripayattu is known for its long-standing history within Indian martial arts, and is ...
, a martial art of Kerala, was in vogue.
Though it was not until the 16th century where the dance became fully differentiated from other forms of dance based on
Kalari.
Performance
The dancers are usually dressed in a white loin cloth with red wrist bands and sing in chorus as they dance. The performers dance with sword and shield in their hands. This garb and the movements of the dance are evocative of the dress and movement of Kalari.
The group is usually headed by a leader called Asan or chief around whom the rest of the dancers perform or who sings and chimes bells from the sidelines.
The dance used to be performed as a religious offering but is nowadays gaining popularity as a Syrian Christian entertainment art.
This is usually performed at special church gatherings and other special occasions such as
Onam.
The dance can range from tame and slow to wildly acrobatic with flips within a single performance as the pace is dictated by the rhythm of the music.
The songs sung during performances begin with a tribute to God and then moves to focus on another Christian topic. These often include praises of saints popular in Kerala such as St. George and St. Sebastian, among others.
In modern performances, the Asan or chief is either singing outside of the circle as the dancers process around a
Nilavilakku, a brass oil lamp traditional in southern India. Parichamuttu kali emphasizes a radial symmetry as the dancers process about the center point of the circle.
The songs used in these Syrian Christian dances often have a very subtle western influence while retaining a traditional folkish tune.
Current situation
Currently both Parichamuttukali and
Margamkali
Margamkali (Malayalam:മാർഗ്ഗംകളി ) is an ancient Indian round dance of the St. Thomas Christians community- based in Kerala state, mainly practiced by the endogamous sub-sect known as the Knanaya or Southist Christians. The ...
are included in the State Youth Festival of Kerala. This makes these art forms a competitive item in the Four-tier system (i.e. School, Sub District, Revenue and State level) Youth festival.
The most popular locations for this dance as of 2013 are Kerala's southern districts of
Kottayam
Kottayam () is a municipal town in the Indian state of Kerala. Flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west. It is the district headquarters of Kottayam district, located in south-we ...
and
Ernakulam
Ernakulam () is the Central Business District of the city of Kochi in Kerala, India and has lent its name to the Ernakulam district. Many major establishments, including the Kerala High Court, the office of the Kochi Municipal Corporation a ...
as well as
Malappuram
Malappuram (also Malapuram) () is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of including the surrounding suburban areas. The first municipality in the district formed in 1970, Malappuram serves as the administrative headquarter ...
in the north.
See also
*
Margamkali
Margamkali (Malayalam:മാർഗ്ഗംകളി ) is an ancient Indian round dance of the St. Thomas Christians community- based in Kerala state, mainly practiced by the endogamous sub-sect known as the Knanaya or Southist Christians. The ...
References
{{Culture of Kerala
Dances of India
Arts of Kerala
Mock combat