11-05-2025
T.N. government to digitally document cultural footprints of Adi Dravidar, tribal communities
The Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department has initiated steps for an ambitious project to create a digital repository titled 'Suvadugal' to document and preserve the traditional performing arts of Adi Dravidar and tribal communities across Tamil Nadu.
According to official sources, the project aims to digitally archive thousands of indigenous art forms and oral traditions that are gradually fading with time. Tamil Nadu is home to a vibrant array of artistic expressions — from folk dances and musical traditions to the crafting of unique instruments and costumes — all of which are deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of these communities.
R. Kaleeswaran, founder of the Alternate Media Centre, a not-for-profit organisation working for the welfare of folk artists, said several art forms practised by Adi Dravidar and tribal communities are now on the verge of extinction. Over 560 art forms are still performed by these communities across the State. Some notable examples include Singari Melam from Dindigul, Radha Kavadi from Nagapattinam, Kaniyan Koothu from Tirunelveli, Periya Melam from Tiruvannamalai, Perum Parai from Anthiyur and Malai Koothu from Dharmapuri.
However, many of these traditions remain either under-documented or misrepresented in mainstream cultural narratives. They also face increasing threats due to rapid socio-economic changes and a lack of institutional support, said Mr. Kaleeswaran, who was also the former coordinator of the Art and Literary Unit, Loyola College, Chennai.
'For instance, Bootha Kabala Aatam is a unique ritualistic performance seen only at specific temples in Dharmapuri district. Today, only a handful of artists continue to practise it. Without proper preservation, such traditions may vanish entirely,' he said.
The 'Suvadugal' project seeks to document these endangered art forms and musical instruments in audio-visual formats, creating a comprehensive digital archive to ensure their revival and transmission to future generations, he added.
