LESSON - 5

Dealing with folk games played by the Tamil people from ancient times this lesson classifies these games as played by children, men and women. It expalins the method, the situation and the songs used while playing them. Tamil tradition of developing individual skills through these games is obvious.

The six central units deal with the general aspects of folk games, the classification, children’s games, men’s games, women’s games and the benefits due to these games.

Folk games reflect the living conditions, social awareness, group temperament, culture and habits observed in the life of Tamil people. Most such games are not subjected to any strict conditions or rules but freely express boundless joy. However, unwritten rules are generally acceptable to all participants. Random selection through unique techniques, team formation as Uthipirithal or Ani pirithal, selection of the first playing team by a technique similar to the modern toss, mid-game pauses like the modern time-outs, penalty to the defeated such as Thalayil Kuttuthal and Kuthirai Eruthal and honesty in playing these games are general characteristics of folk games.

Classified on the basis of season, grounds, instruments, players, gender and age, songs used along with games, ability, activities and games-map, folk games are amazingly various.

Women’s games are either indoor like Pallankuzhi and Thaayam or outdoor like Kummi and Mulaipaari.

These games impart wisdom, competence, thinking, character, teamwork, music and joy. Game songs find a vital place as children’s games.

On learning this lesson you will be appreciative of the gamespirit reflecting the life and culture of Tamil People. It is really amazing to know the different formations of games intended to develop physical, mental, intellectual, social and cultural abilities of people at various stages of human growth. Even the modern techniques we are familiar with had been in vogue in ancient times.

முன்