Villu Pattu or Villuadichanpattu is one of the most popular folk art forms across Tamil Nadu. The simple folk music, fused with effective narration and captivating verses, leaves an everlasting effect on everyone who witnesses the performance. There are multiple theories behind the origin of Villu-Pattu. One version describes an exhausted king in the forest who sought entertainment and a way to relax after a long day of hunting. To entertain the king, the soldiers used their bows and arrows [villu] as instruments, which gave birth to folk music. Eventually, it was developed, and the soldiers, after a successful conquest, sang the war stories and used the bow and arrows as instruments to narrate the brave stories of the warriors, thus turning them into a full-fledged art form. Over the years, it became a culmination of both narrative and musical performance. Another version of the story traces back to the 15th century, when a court minister found the art form. Apart from that, it is important to note that the bow and arrow used to create the music were much larger than usual. They were made out of the palmyra tree.
Vill pattu: The Bow song.
Villu Pattu is generally performed with the chief vocalist sitting in the centre with a bow and Veesukol [small rods ] in each hand. The central vocalist is surrounded by a group of artists who sing and narrate along with the main artist. In addition to this, they play several other instruments [Udukku, miridangham, earth pitcher] that amplify the mood of the narration. At the peak of the Narration, along with the story, we get to witness the Bow, the bell and all the other instruments synchronising perfectly, creating a harmonious tune. This oral performance art is performed mainly in Tirunelveli and Kanniya Kumari, the southernmost region of Tamil Nadu. It is a part of temple festivals, theatre troupes and almost all the folk carnivals. Villupattu invokes a spurt of enthusiasm and spontaneity among the audience and holds them captive until the end of the performance.
Narration and performance;
An average Villu Pattu troupe consists of about eight members. The duration of the performance depends on the story. A narration on current affairs or a small fable might take hardly a session or two. But mythological narrations such as Ramayana and Mahabharata might take multiple sessions that might last up to three or four days. The villupattu begins with the chief vocalist singing a line, and as soon as the chief vocalist in the party finishes singing a couplet or a stanza, the other members of the party take up the refrain and sing it in chorus. A villu pattu performance is entrenched in the regional dialect, and the narration is usually in the style of the ballad songs. The stories narrated include a wide variety of themes, right from history, society, and mythology to current affairs. Supernatural elements play a major role in many of these. Wicked spirits, appeasement of ghosts, divine intervention, prediction of seers, and tackling the evil spirits in every aspect become a part of the narration.
Popular songs and narrative.
Vdladichan Koilile Vilakkarra Neramille
[Everyone is so absorbed in listening to the Vilu Pattu that there is no one to light lamps in the temples.]
One of the most popular narrations of Villu Pattu is the Pazhyanoor Nili. This story tells about a tormented love story between a merchant and Nili. This story revolves around a lot of dramatic twists and turns that keep the tension keep the audience attentive for hours. The story of Sudalai Madan, a ghost of the burial ground, is also popular among the crowd. In some cases, the Bow song turns into a heated debate, where societal evils and politics are discussed. Marudanayagam, Chinna Thambi are also very popular stories among the audience, especially in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. At present, a lot of current events and affairs, both regional and national, have been discussed in the folk art in such a witty and engaging keeping the audience entertained at the same time, also making them think and contemplate.
Current status
Villupattu, like many other folk arts of the state, does not receive the attention it once used to receive. But at present, however, this art form is its redemption arc. Subbu Arumugam was one of the most famous Villu Pattu narrators. He spread the message and awareness regarding AIDS, cleanliness, family planning, etc, through his art. He did more for Villu paatu than anyone else of his time. In addition to this, many NGO’s and government initiatives in recent times have come to rescue this endangered art. The state government has recently launched a diploma course in Villupaatu, giving the artists a platform to learn and perform.
Conclusion
Scholars say that a good historical Villupattu is almost like a folk lesson on history. It is intense, spontaneous, packed with information and at the same time takes you to dreamworlds beyond your imagination. Even though the melodies of Villu Pattu now don’t get the stage they deserve, they continue to echo and linger in the backdrop. Villupattu, or the Bow song, immerses you in a world of daydreams; it takes you along the journey as you join the supernatural world of trials and tribulations. The rhythmic hues lurk in your ears as you join the chorus and nod to the narration of the chief vocalist.
References;
https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/how-subbu-arumugam-popularised-villupattu/article66000346.ece#:~:text=After%20researching%20into%20the%20history,But%20he%20was%20unique.
Mariappan, A. (1997). Stories of birth and death in Villupattu of Tamil Nadu. New Delhi: Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Lakshmanan Chettiar, S. M. L. Folklore of Tamil Nadu. New Delhi: National Book Trust, 1973. ISBN 8123736495
Sriram, V. (2022, October 14). How Subbu Arumugam, who passed away recently, used his unique folk instrument to send out strong social messages. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/how-subbu-arumugam-popularised-villupattu/article66000346.ece