The term Pallu has derived from Pallar, a low caste of farmhands. Tamil genre passed on to minor status, one of ninety-six forms of composition in currency in medieval Tamil literature. Conventionally, it falls under the geographical division oimarutam belonging to agricultural life and is defined as a folk dance-drama set to music. It is structured as exchanges between the farmhands and the landlord, and again between the farmhand and his wife.

It contains graphic descriptions of the varieties of farm produce, of peasant life and its pathos, studded with rustic humour. It also has a religious element intended finally to lead the audience to the presiding deity of the place or temple after which a particular Pallu takes its name. The main reason of this action is to seek divine blessings. The most famous such work, Mukkutar pallu in eighteenth century is of unknown authorship. This was originally a poetic composition. It is the most literary Pallu. Later, Ennayinar rendered it into a broader dance-drama.

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