Pallu Literature is a kind of dramatic literature that existed among the people of Tamil Nadu from the 16th to the 19th century. Researchers in Sittrilakkiyam are of the opinion that Pallu is one of the 96 kinds of Prabandangal. Pallu depicts, in the form of drama, the life (filial and social), occupation, righteous conduct, and the customs and traditions of the pallars.

In the history of Tamil literature, verses were originally composed on the greatness of Gods and Kings. Pallu literature broke away from this convention, to highlight the lives of the ordinary people.

Pallu and kuravanji occupy a unique place among the various types of Sittrilakkiyangal. This is because, they portray the lives of the ordinary folk. Marudham refers to agricultural land. This is usually on a lower level as it has to retain water. People who worked in these 'low lands' -- பள்ளங்கள் நிறைந்த இடங்கள் -- were called Pallars, and their music came to be called 'Pall' (or Pallu).

Among the Pallu works available to us now, திருவாரூர் தியாகப்பள்ளு is believed to be the earliest. There are some who consider Mukkoodal Pallu to be the earliest. Gnanappallu, written in 1642, also lays claim to that honour.

Tirunelveli is one of the most fertile districts in Tamil Nadu. It is also referred to as Nellai. The Thamirabharani river flows through it. In the North Eastern part of Nellai are the Chitra river and the Kothandarama river. The place where these two rivers flow into the Thamirabharani, is called Mukkoodal. The presiding deity of the temple here, is Azhagar. Mukkoodal Pallu derives its name from the place Mukkoodal. Today, this place is referred to as Seevalaperi. This pallu was written in the 17th century. We do not know who wrote this work. A poet called என்னயினாப்புலவர் has written a work called முக்கூடற் பள்ளு நாடகம். Hence it is believed that he must have written the pallu also. Whoever the author, the work indicates that he must have been well-versed in the three forms of Tamil, viz, Iyal, Isai and Natakam.

Mukkoodal Pallu is characterised by an aesthetic rhythm, an imaginative wealth of folklore and memorable similes.

This lesson teaches you all about the Pallars -- their life, occupation, religion, and their customs and traditions.

முன்