Kongu Regional Kaiyaru Nilaippadalgal (Destitution Songs) - A Review

Folklore is considered the mother of all literatures. It is not confined by the strict rules of grammar but flows freely like a wild river, reflecting the vibrant lifeblood of society. Folklore is a direct and honest expression of truth and emotion. This study employs a multi-faceted research approach: it uses a compilation methodology to gather data from various locations within the Kongu region, a classification methodology to categorize and group the collected data, and a descriptive methodology to explain and elaborate on the findings. Among the various forms of folk songs, lamentation songs (kaiyarunilaippatalkal) are a central focus. These are songs sung for the deceased, acknowledging the inevitable nature of death. While lullabies mark the beginning of life, lamentation songs serve as its conclusion. This oral tradition, passed down through generations, has been documented since the 20th century by many Tamil scholars. The previous emphasis on classical Tamil literature, which focused on isolated word, semantic, and chronological analysis, is now shifting. Scholars are increasingly interested in collecting and classifying the poems of unlettered people directly from their communities. This research helps us understand the ancient cultural traditions and evolution of the Tamil people. More than twenty collections of folk songs have been published in Tamil, both in Tamil Nadu and Eelam. Scholars like Na. Vanamamalai, Tamizhannal, Kirushnasamy, and Ki. Va. Jagannathan have been particularly active in this field, publishing numerous compilations. These collections include a variety of lamentation songs. In rural villages, death rituals are the final event performed for an individual. Death is an inevitable part of human life, just as night naturally follows day. In these rural settings, lamentation songs play a crucial role in the funeral ceremonies. This article aims to re-examine and bring to light the lamentation rituals embedded within the folk songs of the Kongu region.