The World of Theyyam

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This book "The world of theyyam" is the result of his meditation, research and study of more than three fruitful decades and thus becomes his master piece.

Theyyam, theyyam castes, society of the worshipers of theyyam, the nature and structure of theyyakkavu, the 'illam system' of the North Kerala caste societies, theyyam figures, the theyyam literature, its musical form, grandeur of its rhythm, costumes and ornaments, the impact of the all these on the culture formation of the society everything gets portrayed here in this book which could be grasped effortlessly. Insidiously this book is a veritable dictionary or mini encyclopedia on theyyam to all readers.

Dr. R.C.Karippath needs no introduction to the scholars and bumpkins alike for his ardent involvement for above three decades in folklore studies and research especially in the wonder world of theyyams. He is an enthusiast in spreading human values and country virtues that is revealed by the folk art, which fades by degrees amidst the torrential flow of the new culture, super technology and the obsession for the sophisticated amenities of the present millennium. Through innumerable speeches and invaluable books, he has captivated the hearts and minds of the audience and readers elsewhere in the gate, especially in the North Kerala coupled with his dexterity as a poet, essayist, playwright and research scholar.

Dr. Karippath is a committed exponent of a wide spectrum of folkloristic activities such as a ‘Poorakkali’ , 'Kothamoori', ‘Pulluvan pattu', `Alamikkali, `Kelipathram' etc. Yet theyyam, so tar as he is concerned, is an inescapable passion with its holy historical relics, mythical chronicles, faith-tinged customs, conventions and allied aspects which could not be found in the annals of conventional history. His contribution of seven erudite works on theyyam culture high light his intuition in to the subject. This book "The world of theyyam" (Theyyaprapancham) is the result of his meditation, research and study of more than three fruitful decades and thus becomes his master piece. Theyyam as a folk art sprawls before its pursuers as an entity which is as infinite as the firmament or as boundless as the sea.

Theyyam, theyyam castes, society of the worshippers of theyyam, the nature and structure of theyyakkavu, the 'illam system' f the North Kerala caste societies, theyyam figures, the literary form of the theyyam, its musical form, grandeur of its rhythm, costumes and ornaments, modes of facial make up, the impact of all these on the culture formation of the society-everything gets portrayed here in this book which could be grasped effortlessly. Insidiously this book is a veritable dictionary or mini encyclopedia on theyyam to all readers.

The book which verifies the mega world of theyyam has been honored by Kerala Folklore Academy by an award. The book also is an earnest venture to intimate this devise and primordial ritualistic art form to the literary aspirants of other states and nations so as to materialize a cosmic artistic fraternity embedded in our myths and legends. According to the scholars "theyyam" has moulded the physical and spiritual lives of North Keralalites and it continues to impose an un ignorable effect even now in the century. But it is facts of disappointment that ‘thottampattu’ which is dense with colloquial expressions and ritual modes and bizzare folk nomenclatures are beyond the purview of easy translation. This justifies the evasion of a few chapters pithy with jargonized expressions.

The style of prose diction with its intricate technologies and characteristic mastery of folk linguistic exhibited by Dr. Karipapth often has posed challenges in translation, but adequate personal exposure to this primitive art form of Kerala and confidence have enabled me to take up this mission.

However I presume that I have been able to do justice to this work within the best of my abilities by not letting the soul of this ritual art drain from it.

With humility I hand over this dedication to the readers with profuse gratification.