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Amid the overdose of earthy colours and worthy causes at the recent India Social Forum in New Delhi, a small group drew attention the moment they started performing. Their beat was impeccable, their energy infectious. They were Dalit drummers from Tamil Nadu, fighting to keep alive an ancient art form and through it, struggling to win dignity for their community. In ancient Tamil society, they were the king's messengers. Called pariyee, meaning "strong men", they led armies into battlefield with their war drums raising the battle pitch. They were intimately linked with every occasion of life, celebrating the joys and sorrows of a person from womb to tomb. Each occasion had a distinct beat and tenor. Today, however, they beat along a lonely path. Their traditional role has diminished, now mainly restricted to playing in funerals and during festive and religious occasions. Even their skills are derogatorily called "funeral art". But these Dalits are now organising. Five years ago on May Day, they formed the Tamil Nadu Antique Percussionists' Union (Tapu), which now boasts of 2,000 members. Said Chennai-based Fr ES Jose, a moving force behind the union's formation, "For us, revival for this art is linked to assertion of the performers' rights. We want just wages and due recognition for our form of music which is called Pariyattam or Tappattam." Jose said, “There are an estimated 1.5 lakh Dalit drummers in the state. Our dream is to hold a procession of 1 lakh drummers performing with gusto through the streets of Chennai." These skin instruments are among the oldest musical instruments in the world, said Jose. "These drums were organically linked to all facets of Tamil life in ancient times. They would also protect the community.” For instance, news of a breach in an embankment would be quickly relayed to the village through a specific beat. In the post-Aryan society, these drummers became untouchables. A slavish custom was devised to pay them low wages. These things must change, he added. (Source: The Times of India)
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