Sreerag S – Oaklores

Sreerag S

A History enthusiast who is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in the subject. I specialize in Sino-Indian cultural relations and the Silk Roads History. As a writer, my goal is to make History more accessible by presenting our past as a collection of stories.

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Mannan Koothu: Identity and Survival

Introduction Kerala has a lot of indigenous art forms that are protected through a variety of programs designed and supported by both the government and other institutions. This effort becomes…

Nokkuvidya Pavakali: A Literal One in a Billion

Introduction Pavakali, or Pavakoothu, is a general term that refers to Puppetry in the Malayalam language. The land of Kerala offers a few unique art forms in this genre too,…

Echoes of Hybridization: How Chavittunatakam Connected Two Worlds

Introduction Literally meaning “the stamping drama,” Chavittunatakam is a unique Christian operatic theatre from Kerala. Born from the meeting of Portuguese missionaries and the coastal communities of Kerala, it is…

Porattu Natakam: Low and Mighty, High and Weak

Introduction “Nirthu ninte Porattu Natakam! (stop your Porattu Natakam already)” is a common Malayali phrase. In fact, it’s almost a command, asking the other to drop their silly, pretentious charade.…

Kadhaprasangam: How Modernity Birthed a ‘Cultural’ Artform

Introduction Kerala has a long-standing history of cultural art forms rooted in sarcastic elements that are used as dynamic tools to present socio-political commentaries to its contemporary milieu. This includes…

Vallam Kali: Sport or Art?

Introduction Every year, thousands gather around the backwaters of Kerala to witness what is arguably the biggest ‘cultural competition’ in the state. The gliding of the Chundan Vallams (snake boats).…

Source: Lijesh K, Flickr

Oppana: A Dance for the Bride to Be

It’s not uncommon in India to have pre-wedding ceremonies and celebrations that last for days or sometimes even weeks. But what if one of those ceremonies evolved into an intricate art form of…

Margam Kali and the Making of Christian Memory in Kerala

The Margam Kali is one of the very few traditional Christian art forms in India that owes its genesis solely to the social environment it was nourished in. The term margam, or “path,”…

Tholpavakoothu: A Penumbra in the Universe of Shadow Puppetry

Introduction Shadow Puppetry or Shadow Play is a shared cultural phenomenon across Asia. From the Tholu Bommalatta of Andhra Pradesh (India) and the Nang Sbek Thom of Cambodia, to the…

Pavakathakali: The Saga of a Miniature Theatre

Introduction Kathakali is arguably the most famous classical art form of Kerala. With its exceptional emotions (rasa), intuitive hand gestures (mudra), captivating attire (vesham), and sophisticated lyrical tradition (attakatha), Kathakali’s…

Poorakkali: A Martial Dance of Love

There are a lot of art forms in Kerala that derive their roots from the martial traditions of the land, especially the famed Kalaripayattu. However, Poorakkali, the folk/ritualistic art of…

Pottan Theyyam: Lesson, Not Lunacy

Introduction: Who is Pottan and why is he relevant? Theyyams are one of the most unique cultural features of Northern Malabar. Red-clad and expressive, they represent the spiritual, social, and…