VISUAL CULTURE IN INDIA

Presentation by

Nithin Kalorth (October 20 2012)

INDIAN FOLK MEDIA

FOLK

People in general having peculiar tastes. A group of people of same kind of culture, lifestyle and identified together because of various sociological reasons.

Example : Country folk, Town folk, Farming Folk etc.

Study of folk( tradition, culture etc) are known as "FOLKLORE”

FOLK MEDIA

The form of media which is created or formed generations back or the media having a cultural identity of some place are known as FOLK MEDIA.

The folk culture in India are connected with moral, religious, and socio-political purposes. But since it contains elements of art, humor and spontaneity it is also widely used as a medium of entertainment.

FOLK MEDIA - ADVANTAGES

Since folk culture is familiar “cross culture” problems will not encounter.

Effect is direct to their heart. Barriers to communication is not there. It can be understood or enjoyed by large

group of people even without high educational standards.

Most of folk media are flexible in accommodating in new themes of life.

FOLK CULTURE OF INDIA

THAMASHA

It rooted in Maharashtra before 600 years ago.

It means “fun”. Here a group of people around 6 mostly

males sing songs with a drum accompany and two females dance according to the theme.

It is not a religious but it contains story from Hindu mythology and black humor which concerns about society.

POWADA or PAWALA

I also originated in Maharashtra and have similar features of THAMASHA but the story is concentrated on historical events.

This got popularity in most of northern parts of our country and have Hindi version of this.

Male and female together perform this but its considered a male dominated area of performance and viewing.

KEERTANA

Performed and seen in TamilNadu, Karnataka and in northern states of India.

It is believed that the saint Narda made this for praising Lord Vishnu.

It is related with bhakti movement in India.

It helped in social reformation and social education.

It is now concentrated on temple rather than its original social needs.

YAKSHAGANA

Folk drama originated from Karnataka. Performed from 16th centaury. It is connected with bhagavata with

mixing up with various local flavors. The players are dressed quit frightfully

and dance according to the song sung by singer.

Singer and players interact each other during the drama which creates humor.

RAMLILA AND RASLILA

Ram Lila tells the story of Lord Rama. Rasa Lila is concentrated on the love of

Lord Krishna for Radha. Ram Lila played during Dashara festival

and it is found in Maharashtra, Manipur, Gujarat and even some parts of Kerala.

Rasa Lila is famous in Brindhavan and other near by areas the roles are played by the young boys.

OTHER IMPORTANT FOLKS

TAMIL NADU THERUKOOTHU, NIZHAL ATTAM,VILLUPATTU

KERALA OTTAN THULLAL, KOOTHU, THERU NADAKAM (STREET PLAY)

BENGAL JATRA(JOURNEY)

GUJARAT BHAVANI

UTTAR PRADESH NAUTANKI

KONKAN DASAVATHAR

ELECTRONIC MEDIA INFLUENCE

The powerful approach of electronic media the role of our folk dance have been misused. Glamorization or vulgarization of our culture is done. Best example is inclusion of our folk dances and songs as item numbers in Hindi, Telugu and Tamizh movies.

But while seeing in other point government approach through Dhoordarshan are supporting the old folk culture and introduce it to new generations.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO IMPROVE FOLK CULTURE:

There are many campaign and programs conducted by government of India as well government of states and other NGO’s.

Example ; Chennai Sangamam in Tamil Nadu and State level cultural competition conducted by Kerala government in school and university levels which provide importance to our cultural values.

Its ultimate role of youth or the new generation to carry forward our cultural values and its importance to next generation.

Remember any development without understanding our culture is not permanent.

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!