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Christian Arts Forms
Margamkali
Among the performing arts of Christians, Margamkali deserves special
mention. It is a group dance developed by the Syrian Christians of Kerala.
The word 'Margam' means path, way, religion or creed. The real source
of inspiration for Margamkali was Kalaripayattu which was very popular
when the Christian community had developed the form. The art was meant
for the propagation of Christian religious ideas. The form of the art
was the result of direct inspiration from the indigenous culture. The
dancers play in a circle around a lighted oil lamp while singing themselves.
There are no accompanying instruments. The leader of the troupe or tutor
known as 'Asan' leads the song and the group repeats the same and dances.
The language used in the songs of Margamkali reveals its relation with
old Tamil.
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