RE-FIGURING THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF ALLEPPEY THROUGH MYTHS, LEGENDS AND FOLKLORE

Abstract [English]

This paper centers on the collection of folk tales transmitted through word of mouth in and around the region popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, namely Kuttanad, in the Alleppey district. It explores how the oral tales and myths prevalent in the region have enhanced our knowledge of the ecological, social, and political history of the region of Alleppey. The first story is related to the origin of the Kuttanad region, its culture, and history. The second tale is about the legends of “Karumadi Kuttan” and its Buddhist links. The third story is the legend of the “Perumparayan”, a popular subaltern hero of Kuttanadu. The fourth story is about the Thakazhi Sreedharma Sastha Temple at the region's cultural center, and the story of the origin of an oil potion called Valyenna. The fifth tale is about the popular Champakulam water fete which is celebrated every year as the day of the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sreekrishna Swamy Temple. These tales touch upon the different aspects of the agricultural, ecological socio-cultural, and religious life of the people of the region of Kuttanad and Alleppey, and are still alive in the memories of the people and form their cultural landscape.