The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #167430   Message #4137713
Posted By: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
24-Feb-22 - 03:53 PM
Thread Name: Maritime work song in general
Subject: RE: Maritime work song in general
c.1745AD
Kuchelavritham Vanchippattu
Ramapurathu Warrier (1703–1753)
Chundan vallam

“Sitting two to a row along the length of the boat, there will be 64 paddlers, representing 64 art forms (or on occasion 128 paddlers). They row in rhythm of the vanchipattu ('boat[man's] song'). There will be around 25 singers in a row at the middle between the paddlers. In the middle of the second half of the boat is a platform for eight people to stand from where the cantor will lead the song. They represent the Ashtadikpalakas (Devas or gods who guard the eight directions).” [wiki]