Abstract:
Kuthu is one of the very ancient forms practiced
among Tamils. It is considered an intangible heritage
of performing traditions. There are different styles
and stories used in various contexts to compose kuthu
performances. It performs religious and other alternative
spaces then and now. Kuthu in the traditional way
belongs to a particular society, culture and space. Here
the kuthu has a particular identity, culture, traditional
craftsmanship and also a particular society’s productio
its own. Anyhow there are issues related to the practices
in alternative space; connected to the alteration, editing
and other related aesthetic aspects. The research carried
out so far is for the documentation purpose, justifying the
practices, aesthetic aspect or complaining the practices.
In some instances psychological and sociological aspects
of Kuthu are discussed. There are some occasions when
scholarly discussions make awareness on intangible
heritage. This research understands that there are
different methods of practicing Kuthu and also the
practices in the religious related and based on particular
society preserved under the conventions of intangible
heritage. Interpretative methods are used to analyse the
Kuthu practices. The issues and changes are identified by
observation, discussions, interview with the practitioners
and performers. Further this study analyses how the
National cultural policy and Nation supports such
practices. The mechanism at national level is how it is
aligned with UNESCO’s intangible convention (2003).
Stable practices incorporated with the current practices
are considered and identified. Possible suggestions are also
made for safeguarding intangible heritage in the future.
Even though the social and political changes always
influence the Kuthu practices – in the other way those
practices reflect the social and political changes of the
existing society. Preserving intangible heritage is one of
the best paths to revisit the traditions to build healthy
societies in the future.
