Columnist
The Kuravanji Story

Kuravanji, now popular as dramatised in dance,
is placed among the minor literary genres in Tamil
(‘sitrilakkiyam’). The spread of this form can be
traced from the 17th century. In a sense, this is a composite
category, amalgamating elements like ‘kura-p-paattu’, ‘ula’,
figuring in Sangam and later literature. ‘Kurathi’, may now
convey a nomadic gypsy image, but the Tamil tradition
accords a dignified place for the tribe, with its own ethos
and accomplishments. The ‘Valli’ association has given
enhanced pride and pedigree to the clan and the ‘kurathi’
character is ‘seen and heard’ often, referring to this fact.
Women poets of the Sangam period included some from
this clan.