[Reader-list] aravanis in madurai-MAY 2007

[priya babu]

  Posting for May 2007- Priyababu  Traditional folk art forms that are practiced by the aravaanis are in turn taught to the Chelas [adopted daughters]. Chelas maybe adopted from any caste, but it is only those from the dalit community are trained in these forms. The other chelas often migrate to places like Mumbai to practice begging and prostitution. Strangely, even within the 'straight' community these art forms are practiced by the dalits alone and it seems to replicate even within the aravaani community. Ironically, recently an aravaani in Usilampatti, who was trained in Karagatam, had preformed with the group in a nearby village. She happened to belong to the devar community. Traditionally devars eat off a normal plate. Post performance she was asked to eat off a plaited leaf. She demanded a plate, but was refused as it was assumed she was OBC [Other Backward Caste]. This shows that even if an aravaani of other castes come forward to learn these art forms so as to
 generate alternate income source, she would have to assume a garb of being a dalit to do so. Though dancing these traditional art forms is considered respectable in rural areas, an aravaani doing the same is subjected to several demeaning teasing like currency notes tucked into the blouse or skirt, waist being pinched on. [Recently, a popular film Paruthiveeran, actually portrays this in a song Oor oram puliyam maram... which has one such aravaani group dancing teased as if it is the proper treatment to be afforded.] The operation methodology for such performance companies is that an elder aravaani would have five to six dancers or singers, one drummer, and one to play the wind instrument under one banner. Earlier there would be a man who heads this company and act the role of the manager-cum-agent. But this post has recently been taken over by aravaanis themselves. The members are often the adopted family members. The system wherein the earnings of a chela aravaani who
 would have to be shared with the guru aravaani is now retained within the group itself, because both the chela and the guru are now members of the same performing company.  
  
       
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