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Ilankai Tamil Sangam Photographer
It is very interesting to learn about the different cultural heritages of individuals that originate outside of our country as well as learning more about their lives and practices. Some of this is explored in the Ilankai Tamil Sangam Photographer photo shoot. This collection of photographs focuses on one expression of individuals of Sri Lankan Tamils background in the form of a number of cultural dances.
To help introduce these native Sri Lankan Tamils in the demonstration of their wonderful artistic renderings, let’s look at some history of this amazing group and what they represent.
Ilankai Tamil Sangam, USA, is a non-profit organization established in 1977 as an association for Tamil immigrants from Sri Lanka residing in theUnited States. It serves as a, perhaps the oldest, advocacy and cultural group for Sri Lankan Tamils, promoting their culture, heritage, and welfare while raising awareness of issues faced by the community.
Key Details About Ilankai Tamil Sangam (USA):
- Purpose: The organization acts as a voice for the Tamil American community, focusing on the welfare of Tamils from Eelam (Sri Lanka).
- Advocacy: It highlights the marginalization, discrimination, and violence faced by the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka since 1948.
- Activities: The Sangam promotes Tamil culture, language, and heritage through cultural events, such as Kalai Vila.
- Structure: It is one of the founding members of the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA).
- Membership: Open to anyone interested in the welfare of the Tamils of Eelam.
A Tamil Sangam refers to the ancient academies or assemblies of poets, scholars, and bards that thrived in southern India (Tamilakam) between 200 BCE and 300 CE. These gatherings, traditionally held in Madurai under Pandya kings, produced a rich body of literature focused on love (akam) and heroism/governance (puram).
Key Aspects of the Tamil Sangams:
Literary Tradition: The literature produced is the earliest Tamil literature, featuring famous works like the Tolkappiyam (grammar) and anthologies such as the Purananuru.
- Three Assemblies: According to tradition, there were three successive Sangams (First, Second, and Third), with the first two supposedly lasting for thousands of years before being submerged in the sea.
- Cultural Significance: These gatherings functioned as institutions for reviewing and canonizing literature, focusing on themes such as emotional landscapes, ethics, and the praise of rulers.
- The Sangam Age: This period is recognized as the dawn of history in South India, characterized by urban development, the rise of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms, and intense trade with the Roman world.
The word “Sangam” translates to “gathering” or “association”
Tamil Sangam dances refer to both ancient, classical, and folks dance forms originating from the Tami-speaking region, with roots in the Sangam period (c. 3rd century BCE – 3rd century CE). These dances include classical, non-classical, and folk styles like Bharatanatyam, Karakattam, and Kummi, often performed during cultural festivals (Muthamizh Vizha) and temple celebrations.
- Bharatanatyam: A major classical dance form, tracing its roots to ancient Tamil temple traditions, featuring intricate footwork, hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions (abhinaya) to narrate stories.
- Karakattam: A popular folk dance in which performers balance a decorated pot (karagam) on their heads, often performed at festivals or to worship the rain goddess.
- Kummi: A traditional folk dance performed by women in a circle, clapping their hands in a rhythmic manner, often accompanied by singing.
- Koothu: A form of theater art combined with dance, rooted in ancient Tamil culture.
- Ancient Roots: Literary sources describe early dance forms like Kodukotti and Pandarangam, associated with, for example, Lord Shiva’s victory dances, often performed in temples.
These performances are deeply connected to the cultural, social, and religious life of the Tamil people.
Costumes and colors in Tamil culture, originating from the Sangam period, signify social status, emotional states, and religious devotion. Traditionally, they reflected natural, woven fabrics (cotton/silk) and used attire to distinguish warriors, sages, and royalty, with colors symbolizing life, death, and spiritual, national, or emotional themes.
Key aspects of costumes and colors in Tamil tradition:
- Saffron/Kaavi: Represents renunciation, devotion to Lord Muruga, and spiritual cleansing, often worn during rituals.
- Red: Symbolizes love, purity, fertility, and celebration, frequently worn by brides, but in political contexts (like the Tamil Eelam flag), it represents the revolutionary fight for liberation.
- Yellow/Golden: Represents the righteousness and virtue of a cause or, in wedding contexts, prosperity.
- Black: Signifies a firm, unyielding spirit in the face of suffering.
- White: Symbolizes purity, simplicity, and truth.
- Traditional Attire:
- Men: Veshti (dhoti) and Angavastram are staple, representing tradition and culture.
- Women: Sarees, particularly Kanchipuram silk, are significant for their cultural heritage and elegance.
- Ancient Context: In the Sangam period, clothes were often two-piece unstitched garments, allowing for partial exposure of the upper body, reflecting a practical, nature-connected society.
- Emotional Signaling: Specific fabrics and colors, like Kalingam, were historically used to express,, such as, grief during separation.
These colors and garments are deeply embedded in the cultural identity, acting as visual markers of community, status, and emotional expression.
Based on resources from the Ilankai Tamil Sangam and related Tamil cultural studies, dance moves in the Tamil tradition (including those of Sri Lankan Tamils) represent a complex intersection of spirituality, political resistance, cultural resistance, cultural identity, and emotional expression.
1. Cultural and Religious Significance (Temple & Tradition)
- Devotional Offering (Bhakti): Dance moves, particularly in Bharatanatyam, are considered a form of prayer and a means of connecting with the divine. Specific gestures (mudras) and expressions (abhinaya) are used to narrate mythological stories and express devotion.
- The Ritualistic Element: Dance was historically part of temple rituals, where dancers were seen as representing deities. Moves like the Aramandi (half-sitting posture) are believed to mirror 108 karanas (poses) found in temple sculptures.
- Symbolism in Movement: The sequence of dance moves, from the Alarippu (preliminary invocation) to the Tillana (climax), symbolizes a journey from physical discipline to spiritual liberation.
2. Historical and Societal Significance (Sangam & Folk)
- Expression of Power: In the early Sangam era, dances like Muntherkuravai and Pintherkuravai were performed around a king’s chariot to express power and boost morale.
- Community and Fertility: Folk dances such as Karagattam (balancing a pot on the head) were dedicated to the rain goddess Mari, symbolizing fertility, merriment, and, in some cases, the appeasement of natural spirits.
- Martial Art Origins: Moves in dances like Kol Silambam (stick fighting) originated from self-defense techniques, later evolving into a, non-violent, rhythmic art form.
3. Political Significance in the Sri Lankan Context (Diaspora & Conflict)
- Cultural Identity in Conflict: Dance has been used as a tool to affirm identity, particularly for Sri Lankan Tamils navigating displacement or conflict.
- Resistance and Resilience: Bharatanatyam and other performance practices have served as methods for maintaining a distinct Tamil identity, often in response to political pressure or ethnic conflict.
- Embodied Memory: For the diaspora, dance serves to connect to their roots and maintain their cultural heritage, making it a “living scripture” written in rhythm and expression.
In summary, dance moves in the Ilankai Tamil Sangam context are never just for entertainment; they are a profound language of devotion, a repository of historical memory, a tool for social cohesion, and a medium for political expression. The Ilankai Tamil Sangam Photographer photo shoot captures all of these intricacies so elegantly and truly showcases the beauty of these traditional dancerts.
Based on the content available on the Ilankai Tamil Sangam website, which acts as an association for Tamils and includes articles ranging from accounts of children’s homes (with children from six months old to early twenties) to personal reflections from individuals in their 70s, there is no specific or restrictive age limit for general involvement or contribution,
Key details regarding involvement:
- Content Scope: The site features diverse viewpoints and articles, covering topics from history to contemporary social issues, engaging a wide age range.
- No Explicit Barrier: No specific age restriction is mentioned for readership, contribution, or general association with the platform.
- Diverse Representation: Content reflects contributions from both young individuals and elders.
Please note that this is different from the membership criteria of local Tamil organizations, such as the Newcastle Tamil Sangam, which may require members to be at least 18 years of age. Organizations, such as the Newcastle Tamil Sangam, which may require members to be at least 18 years of age. The following photographs in the Ilankai Tamil Sangam Photographer photo shoot has captured dancers of all ages, from young, to older, and provides a lovely representation of multiple age groups and how they easily blend together to present their traditional interpretations.
The Ilankai Tamil Sangam Photographer photo shoot has provided an intimate look into the activity of this richly traditional group and the culture that has produced such a committed and lovely expression of their proud heritage that they share with the world.
