![]() The people of Kerala belonging to all castes and communities have their rich collection of folk songs which deal with a variety of themes. These folklores of Kerala mirror the joys and sorrows and the hopes and aspirations of the common people. The Vanchippattukal or boat songs sung by those who row the boats either during boat festivals or ordinary trips deal with diverse themes of human interest to the common man. The labour classes have their own characteristic songs which inspire them to put in their best by singing them in chorus. Special mention may be made in this context of the Vadakkan Pattukal (Northern Ballads), the Thekkan Pattukal (Southern Ballads) the Palli Pattukal and the Mappila Pattukal. Some of the Palli Pattukal composed by Christians deal with Church history and lives of Saints. The Mappila Pattukal is the folk songs of the Mappilas (Muslim) of Malabar composed in colloquial Malayalam language and sung in a distinctive tune. They are composed in a mixture of Malayalam and Arabic and have a special charm of their own. They deal with diverse themes such as religion, love satire, heroism, etc. The Mailanchi Pattu, the Oppana Pattu and the Ammayi Pattu belong to the category of Mappila Pattukal dealing with love and marriage and they were sung in chorus in connection with marriage festivals till recently. The Mappila songs of various types form part of the heritage of Malayalam language used today. |