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In this lesson we are going to look at a significant aspect in the history of Tamil drama, namely minor literary plays or Citilakkia Nadagankal. We shall discuss their origins, structure, concepts as well as characterization.

Tamil drama flourished under the patronage of kings in the tenth century. However certain troublesome situations resulted in more importance being given to other literary forms; and all forms of literature including drama underwent a structural change. So Citilakkia Nadagankal like Nondi, Keerthanai and Pallu became popular.

The seventeenth century A.D. witnessed the rise of Nondi Nadagam. It was a musical play aimed at focussing on moral conduct. The language was simple and effectively satirised social problems. All these plays had a common story line; the hero leaves home, gets into bad company, steels a horse and gets caught red-handed. His hands and legs are cut off but he gets them back after intense prayers to God. The Message is: Bad conduct leads one to severe punishment. Only one character comes on stage and narrates his story. Mono-acting was introduced in Tamil drama through this genre.

Rama Nadaga Keerthanai and Nanthanar Carithira Keerthanai are examples of Keerthanai Nadagam. Stories familier to people were performed with music. Through music, it was attempted to convey certain moral principles. For example, through Nanthanar Carithiram, Gopala Krishna Bharathi brought out the coils of casteism. In the beginning there was only one actor, but later on, there were more actors.

Palllu Nadagam related to the life of peasants. Some of the famous plays of this type were: Mukkudal Pallu and Thillaipallu. One of the characters is the Kattiyankaran. He introduces the story and characters and co-ordinates the show. The two main characters are Mootha Palli, and Ilaya Palli, the two wives of Pallan. The play presents their emotion filled with Esal Paadalkal, where they attack each other. The play stresses values like monogamy and the oneness religion. It portrays the social context in a light vein.

Kurinchi Nadagam relates to the life of Kurathi or gipsy girl. Some significant titles in this type are: Thirukuttala Kuravanchi, and Bethlagame Kuravanchi. The story line is the same for all these plays. After the invocation, the Kattiyankaran introduces the hero. The hero falls in love with the heroine. The Kurathi foretells the future for the heroine. The play ends with a conversation between the Kurathi and Kuravan. Kuravanchi Nadagam is musical and melodious. The play highlight the selflessness of the Kurathi and shows how the upper and lower strate of society come together to share their gift.

Each type of Cittillakkia Nadagankal is clearly defined: Nondi and Kuravanchi stress the value of characters; Keerthanai is musical; Pallu portrays ways of life. They have made a significant contribution of presenting values necessary for life.