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KUTTANADU | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Legend | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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History | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kayamkullam, Purakkadu, Chembakasserri (Ambalappuzha),
Thekkancore, Vadakkancore were the prominent dynasties in Kuttanadu during
the 1400-1500 period. There main force of Militia was the naval force as
all these terrains were surrounded by water bodies. |
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Biogeography | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The land Kuttanadu comprises of lagoons and canals cris
– crossing the main land, edged by silver sands of Arabian Coast. Being
situated below the sea level, the entry of sea water has to be checked by
constant pumping or constructing dykes called ‘azhi' or ‘pozhi'. Coconut
plantations are maintained over elevated land where as paddy is cultivated
in damp land. Earlier there had been only one yield of paddy in a year
which in local dialect was known as ‘Oru pooppu'. After the construction
of the two check dams - one in Thottappally and the other in
Thannirmukkom, it is made possible to have two yeilds called ‘Eru pooppu'.
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Culture | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Has the basic characteristic of this region being agriculture and the main mode of transportation being water bound, the life of the people around here become so inter-related with boats and canals. With the passage of time, they gradually developed a culture based on agriculture, observance and established custom. The social strata based on profession, culture and beliefs made them look for avenues of enjoyment while on work. For .e.g. a solitary person spinning the ‘Ela Chakkra' to expel the water out of fields , in order to amuse himself and ease his solitude ,has songs for this occasion which is known as ‘Chakkrapattu'. The women, while planting the ‘Njaru' (sapling of paddy) has songs called ‘Njattu pattu'; ‘Thekku pattu', to flush the water off the fields; ‘Koithu pattu' for harvesting the fields and ‘Poli pattu' for cleansing the grains. The festivities, the trade, commerce and their believes were so influence by this cultural strata. The ‘Vanchippattu' or boat song
often sung by the boat rowers in order to overcome the boredom and refresh
themselves during the whole day long travel uniquely maintains a pleasant
tune and vary the pitch according to the speed and acceleration of boat.
The rowers have a wide verity of songs- basically related to the heroes or
myths of the time. There are different versions to these songs such as
Southern songs, Northern songs, Panar songs (songs sung by a nomadic
community called ‘Panar') and Kuthiyotta songs which are for the contest
and festivals. |
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Types of Boats | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. Chundans were the war ship during 1600-1700 which ensured the victory of Chempakasserri over the ruler of Kayamkulam. more..... 2, Iruttukutty also known as Vadakkan Oddy were used by the pirates in the lake because they were faster and they do not make much noice in the water. 3, Churulans were pushed through the water with the help of poles, instead of oars. these were used by rich aristocrates for travel. Now this catagory race is restricted for women. 4, Veppu also known as Parunth Vallan (Kite-tail). Their purpose was to accompany the Chundans while they venture for a battle with provisions for the soldiers. 5, Company boats have it's nose like that of Churulan and it's stern like Chundan, they are also called Thekkan Oddy. Now this catagory race is also restricted for women. 6, Palliyodams have huge sterns than Chundan. Unlike the Chundan, the nose of the Palliyodams are higher which helps the manoverablity much faster. |
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Courtacy: V V Gregory click here |
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