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"Margam" means way or solution in Malayalam, but in the religious beleives it is known as the way to attain salvation. The process of conversion to Christianity was known as "Margam Koodal" until recently in Kerala.Much of this folk art is woven around the mission of St. Thomas, the Apostle. The original Margam Kali describes the arrival of St. Thomas in Malabar, the miracles he performed, the friendship as well as the hostility of the people among whom he worked, the persecution he suffered, the churches and crosses he put up in various places, etc. These details are incorporated in the various stanzas of the Margam Kali songs. Kerala's Margam Kali is an important element in the age-old and hallowed tradition of St Thomas among the Syrian Christians of Malabar Coast.[7]
The disparity between the present condition of this form and the early days leads one to assume three important phases in the history of Margamkali. The first phase was the pre-colonization one in which this semi-theatrical form was performed by the Saint Thomas Christians during special occasions. That time Parichamuttu Kali (The sword and shield dance) was a part of it. Later Synod of Diamper curbed and suppressed this native form. During the last seventeenth century, due to the efforts of a Southist priest Itti Thomman Kathanar, the textual part of this form got certain upliftment and care. The Margamkali might have been edited and refashioned into the present fourteen stanza structure during this time. However, till the fag end of the nineteenth century the art form was not very much in practice even though it did exist here and there. But at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of twenteenth century, the form became popular once again and some structural changes took place then. Masters such as Kalarikal Unni ashan, Indumoottil Kocheppu ashan, Indumoottil Kutto ashan were some of them who were responsible for this change and upheaval. By this time puttan Purikkal Uthuppu Lukose compiled and published Margamkali Pattukal in 1910. Then again it had a set-back and during the 1950s to 1970s it was on the verge of becoming extinct. But in the late 1970s once again the Saint Thomas Christians took the initiative to revive and popularise this form.
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Chavittu Nadakam (Malayalam:????????????) is a highly colorful Latin Christian classical art form originated in Cochin, Kerala state in India. It is noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the rhythmic playback music and complementary percussion. This art form highly resembles European Opera. Chavittu Nadakam is believed to be originated during the 16th century AD. This form of play is prevalent among the Latin Christian community in the districts of Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur of Kerala. This cultural heritage had been vanished out due to the lack of responsible patronage. So in 1991 Kreupasanam Pauranika Rangakalapeedom has been started in Aleppey in order to document, upkeep, rejuvenate and represent all the dying coastal traditional art forms of Kerala coast. Kreupasanam has so many training centers in different districts in Kerala for giving training to young generation especially the school students. Research students also are welcome for residential studies in this institution.
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