Sounds from a silenced divinity: the interaction of caste with music in the Theyyam rituals of Kerala

Main author: Mohanan, Aditya
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-35317
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description The ritual art form popularly known as ‘Theyyam’ occurs annually in the northern regions of the South Indian state of Kerala. The ritual is orchestrated and demonstrated by Dalit communities, who were formerly treated as untouchables throughout the history of the subcontinent. The impact of caste dynamics on this form of religious expression is explored in this work through ethnomusicological analyses, wherein the musical elements of Theyyam are compared to forms of music practised by upper-caste communities in the same region. This work aims to highlight how knowledge, in essence, is a product of social hierarchy and forms of expressions birthed from knowledge are subtle representations of social discrepancy.
format Journal Article
author Mohanan, Aditya
author_facet Mohanan, Aditya
authorStr Mohanan, Aditya
author_letter Mohanan, Aditya
title Sounds from a silenced divinity: the interaction of caste with music in the Theyyam rituals of Kerala
publisher SOAS University of London
publishDate 2021
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/35317/