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Conserving the Arab connection

‘Athar’ fragrances and resplendent Persian carpets are reminders of the centuries-old trade and cultural ties between Kerala and Arab countries.

Efforts have been made to strengthen this relationship time and again under the aegis of the Indo-Arab Confederation Council.

The Arab-Kerala Folklore Research and Study Centre set up in Kozhikode a year ago is such an initiative to conserve and popularise the folk art forms and other traditions that came into being because of the interaction, says Attakoya Pallikkandi, president of the study centre.

There are legends that centre on kings of Malabar and their munificence towards traders from far-off lands, including the Arabs. History gives details of rulers of Kodungalloor who embraced Islam and visited Mekka in the 6th and 8th Century.

Records in the Valapattanam and Madayi mosques besides those in Arakkal Palace in Kannur throw light on this international relationship.

The objective of the centre is to conduct research on the nuances of the relationship that was forged between India and Arab countries, and how it resulted in exchange of ideas and also exerted influence on the folk art traditions of both the regions, points out O. Abdul Majeed, secretary.

The centre conducts training on a regular basis in art forms such as ‘ayala’ under the guidance of Sadiq Mathottam. Studies show that there is a close relationship between the folk art forms of Kerala such as daffmuttu, arabanamuttu, parichamuttukali, kolkali, kilithattukali, and margamkali and the ayala, mailegh, liva, habban, nuban, maliya, and rasa dances of Arab countries.

Research conducted by the centre shows that daffmuttu, a popular folk dance of Kerala, is very similar to a folk dance of the people of Madina that dates back centuries.

There is a dance similar to the ‘mudiyattom’ dance of Kerala girls in Arabia too. Also, the practice of ‘kuravayidal’ was observed in both countries.

Another interesting aspect revealed through research by the centre was that many of the accompanying instruments of Arab music were similar to those in Kerala.

Kalaripayattu and kolkali of Kerala has a close similarity to the martial art forms of Gulf countries. The steps of Kalaripayattu closely resembled the martial art form of Khurasan in Baharain.

Branches of the cultural centre would be set up in other places in Kerala, Mr. Pallikkandi said.

Maleeha Raghaviah

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