This lesson teaches you the origin and growth of Tamil drama upto the present. It also tells you the differences between stage and street plays, the influence of the freedom struggle and the Dravidian Movement, on the development of drama and its condition today.

The Tamil language is divided into three components of Iyal. Isai and Natakam. The presence of the word 'Natakam' in this list, is itself an indication of its antiquity. The word 'Natakam' is also found in the Tholkaapiyam. The words 'Natakam' and 'Kootthu' have a close connection, though they are not the same. 'Kootthu' is a combination of dance and drama, whereas 'Natakam' is drama alone.

Expressing a song or incident in the form of gestures, is dance. Telling a story with action and proper costumes, is drama. The ancient Tamils referred to both as 'Kootthu'. This word is found in several ancient Tamil texts.

There were different forms of Kootthu, including puppetry (with wooden puppets), leather and shadow puppetry. Drama as an art evolved out of Kootthu and flourished till the age of Silappathikaaram. But the Jains and the Buddhists who gained power later, discouraged the arts, or dance and drama as being detrimental to man's spiritual development. It was only during the age of the Pallavas, that, drama regained its lost glory.

It was during the 19th century that the maximum number of plays were produced. These were of two kinds -- new plays which portrayed the life of the common man, and plays based on the puranas. In course of time, historical plays too, became popular.

Initially, men themselves took up the roles of women in the plays. But, towards the latter half of the 19th century, women played female roles. In fact, six drama troupes existed, consisting solely of women and managed by them. The most notable of these, was the one run by Baalaamani Ammaiyar.

In the history of Tamil drama, the role of Sankaradas Swamigal is very significant. After independence, social plays gained popularity. Experimental theatre has recently been launched.

You can learn all this and more from this lesson.