ஆறறபபட இலககயஙகளல தண சரநத பணணச / Thinai Based Music in Aatruppadai Literature

Art serves humanity and offers solace from the traces of labour. In early times, as tribal customs evolved, the artists emerged as a distinct group in Tamil culture. Among conventional art, art holds an ancient legacy. “Tolkappiyam” identifies the parai (a drum instrument) as one of the fundamental instruments of Tamil culture. The early Tamil life can be seen in the Aatruppadai songs. It gives insights into the musical practices of wandering minstrels, bards and scops. In Sangam literature, art is related to the five landscapes (thinai) - Kurinji, Marutham, Mullai, Paalai, and Neithal. Each of them represents the geographical and emotional aspects of the people. The musical modes had been according to the five landscapes. For example, Kurinji Land music is rendered in hill-associated concepts, while Neithal Land music resonates with seascapes. The Aatruppadai songs depict the journey of the bards and capture their musical skill and ability to describe the scenes with realistic effects. The overall performance adhered to particular melodic patterns and conventions and reflected the disciplined musical traditions of the time. However, the music underwent many variations. In contemporary Tamil art, they may be identified by different names by indicating the dynamic evolution of musical practice. This study explores Thinai based music found in Aatruppadai literature.