Kuravar Kali (Bharata Kali), Pusthakagramam, Perumkulam
The Kuravar artists were under the patronage and guidance of the tutelage of the Kuravarkulam Urali, who belonged to a dravidian tribe. They saw the universe as the all eternal and ultimate truth. They worshipped and revered natural elements such as sun, moon, water, air, and trees. They gave wild food as offerings to the Gods who protected them in their times of happiness and sadness. They pleased the gods through their dancing and singing in circular movements. Their belief is that the deities who are pleased with this will bestow them with their blessings for the prosperity of their tribe and their lands. As a clan ritual art of Kurams, Kuram games are still being performed in Kavus and temples. The places where such games are played are called kalari or kalams. The instruments required for these are Maddalam, Kutty, Kuzhal (bamboo), and Kaimani. All these three beats, in rhythm, wake up the mountain gods and the kalam. Urali prostrates and prays for the prosperity, unity, and