ADIKALA KENDRAM

A Documentation Centre of Art forms of the Scheduled Communities in the State. Provide avenues for performance and research of such Art forms. Today the art forms of Scheduled communities are either dying or subjected to rapid transformations. Though rich in artistic quality and naive in originality these art forms were not given due recognition, but often denigrated and neglected. Still some forms survive because of its inherent quality and social and ritualistic functions to fulfill. The ethnographic researches on Scheduled communities, shows that from community to community and region to region art forms of Scheduled communities varies. Cultural heritage of these people are highlighted through their songs and dances, ballads, myth and rituals, etc.

Every community has its own culture specific art forms. Many of these lack connoisseurs and are on the verge of vanishing. It requires protection, revival and promotion. Master artists lament on the poor response from the younger generation to foster it. On the other hand the young enthusiasts say that they are not in a position to persue it as a pastime, as they themselves are struggling to make both ends meet.

The term ‘Adikalakendram’ connotes, a centre for the promotion of the earliest art forms of mankind. KIRTADS Adikalakendram started as a centre for the revitalization of the primordial art forms of Scheduled Communities of Kerala. The reviving of ethno specific art forms will boost the SC/ST self esteem and group morale. No significant attempt has been made yet to undertake detailed documentation and research of these art forms. It includes not only performing arts, but also crafts such as wood carvings, basketry, mat weaving, pottery, etc. The oral literature also comes under documentation and research. The artists and craftsmen can gainfully engage in emerging opportunities of the economic front, such as Ethno Tourism, Ethnic Art Festival, Temple Festivals, Ethno Craft Exhibitions, etc.