Each tribal drummer in Attappady claims his troupe as the loudest band in the State even though tribal historians and artistes maintain that such high decibel drums were alien to the culture of aborigines in the region.
Despite the dispute over its origin, young tribal drummers and their half a dozen bands from Attappady are gaining popularity across Malabar, especially at temple festivals, public functions, and socio-cultural events.
Each troupe has 45 drummers who carry huge drums. Known as the Attappady tribal drum, the instrument and its performers are now evolving as the identity of the backward region.
“Drummers are paid well by festival organisers as the very mention of the Attappady drum attracts listeners. It also adds to the festival charm. More tribal youngsters are keen to form such bands though claims about its origin are fabricated. It has nothing to do with tribal art or music,” says Sindhu Sajan, a researcher on tribal culture and teacher at Government Higher Secondary School, Agali.
“The Attappady tribespeople never used such high decibel drums, which create noise pollution. It is in fact the drum once used by the Chakliya community in Tamil Nadu.
Some people cleverly imposed it on the Attappady tribesmen and youngsters are getting attracted to it. In the process, the whole tribal art in Attappady is facing neglect. It outsmarts Sinkarimelam in noise,” alleges Palanyswami Subrahmanyam, an Irula tribal of Agali, who leads the only tribal artistes’ group that promotes tribal art forms of the region. P. Manikandan of the Agali Upper Tribal Settlement says joining a band has ensured him proper income.
“It is easy to play. We are getting programmes in Malappuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode. Recently, we were invited to a government function presided over by a Minister. I joined the troupe after completing degree,” Mr. Manikandan adds.
Carrying 45 drums, locally known as thambola, from one venue to other is a bit difficult.
“In a way, the drums have infused confidence in youngsters, where no government project has been successful. It may be a successful venture which earns money for the youngsters. Reviving the local tribal art is another challenge to be addressed,” says M. Sukumaran of the Attappady Samrakshana Samithy.
Despite the dispute over its origin, young tribal drummers and their half a dozen bands from Attappady are gaining popularity across Malabar
