ART INTEGRATED PROJECT

PARAI AND DOLA

Nandhakumar S R
XII C

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 INDEX

1. HISTORY AND ORIGIN

2. DESIGN AND MATERIALS USED

3. IMPORTANCE IN FOLK MUSIC

4. ROLE IN TRADITIONAL CELEBRATIONS

5. VISUAL REPRESENTATION

6. CONCLUSION

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

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 INSTRUMENT FROM MY REGION :
PARAI
REGION : TAMIL NADU
CULTURAL IDENTITY:
"Parai" is a traditional Indian drum, primarily
associated with the Tamil culture of South India. It is a
large, barrel-shaped percussion instrument typically
made from wood, and it is often played during religious
festivals, cultural events, and processions

INSTRUMENT FROM ANOTHER REGION:

DOLU
REGION : ANDRA PRADESH
CULTURAL IDENTITY:
A popular folk instrument from Andhra Pradesh is
the "Dolu" (or "Dhol"), which is a traditional drum
widely used in folk music and dance performances.
Similar to the Parai, the Dolu is typically made of wood
and has a cylindrical shape, with animal skin stretched
over the openings on both ends. It is played with two
sticks, producing a deep, rhythmic sound.

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 HISTORY AND ORIGIN
1 PARAI

The origins of the Parai can be traced back to the

Dravidian civilisations that flourished in the Tamil-
speaking regions of Southern India. The Parai's role in
early Tamil society was multifaceted, serving not only
as a musical instrument but also as a tool for ritualistic
and community purposes. Evidence suggests that drums
like the Parai were used in temple rituals, festivals, and
processions, where music and sound were believed to
invoke divine blessings and maintain harmony.
Historically, the Parai was associated with Tamil
kingships and their armies, where it was used to signal
the beginning of battle or other important events. It is
mentioned in early Tamil literature, including Sangam
poetry (circa 300 BCE - 300 CE), where the instrument
is referenced as a symbol of power and celebration. The
Parai's rhythmic beats were often used to accompany
the warriors' battle cries and war dances.

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 2 DOLU
The history of the Dolu can be traced back to the Indus
Valley Civilisation, where early forms of percussion
instruments, including drums, were used in religious
and cultural practices. Drums like the Dolu have
evolved over thousands of years, adapting to local
traditions, cultures, and rituals.
In the specific context of Andhra Pradesh, the Dolu has
roots in ancient temple music and folk traditions. Early
references to drum-like instruments in the region can be
found in ancient scriptures and texts, which describe the
importance of music and sound in temple rituals,
processions, and other sacred ceremonies. The Dolu is
one of the instruments that has carried forward this deep
connection to religious practices, symbolising both
divine power and community spirit.

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 DESIGN AND MATERIALS
USED
1 PARAI
DESIGN:
The Parai is a large, cylindrical drum typically made
from wood or sometimes metal. It has two open ends,
which are covered by animal skin, usually goat or cow
skin, which is tightened to produce a deep sound. The
drum's size can vary, but it is often larger than other
traditional drums. The Parai is designed to be played
while held in a vertical position, often resting on the
ground or suspended.

MATERIAL USED:
Body: Typically made of wood (sometimes metal in
modern versions).
Drumhead: Animal skins, such as goat or cow hide, are
stretched over both ends of the drum.
Playing Sticks: Traditionally, wooden sticks are used to
strike the drum, which may vary in size depending on
the performance.

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 2 DOLU
DESIGN:
The Dolu has a similar design, with a barrel-like shape,
but it is usually smaller in size compared to the Parai.
The body is typically made of wood, and it is also
covered with animal skin (cowhide or goat skin). It is
played in a horizontal position, often held or placed on
the ground, and like the Parai, it is played with sticks.
The sound produced by the Dolu is sharper and crisper
compared to the deeper resonance of the Parai.

MATERIALS USED:
Body: Primarily made from wood (often teak or other
durable woods).
Drumhead: Animal hide (goat or cow skin).
Playing Sticks: Wooden or bamboo sticks used to strike
the drum.

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 IMPORTANCE IN FOLK
MUSIC:
1 PARAI
Rhythmic Foundation for Folk Music and Dance:
• The Parai serves as the primary rhythmic element
in traditional Tamil folk music. It is used to
accompany several dance forms such as Kavadi
Attam (a devotional dance), Karagattam, and
Aadi Perukku, where its powerful beats drive the
energy of the performances. The drum's rhythm
helps in structuring the flow of the dance and
music, creating a connection between the
performers and the audience.

Cultural Expression and Identity:

• The Parai is a symbol of Tamil cultural identity.
Historically, the instrument was played by the
Paraiyar community, often seen as marginalized
in the caste system. As such, the Parai became a
powerful tool for cultural expression, providing a
way for the Paraiyar people to assert their
presence and resilience in the face of oppression.
Over time, the Parai has transcended its caste
associations, becoming a symbol of Tamil pride,
unity, and resistance.

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Religious and Spiritual Significance:
• In Tamil Nadu, the Parai plays a central role in
religious festivals and temple rituals. During
processions, the drum’s beats are considered to
invoke divine blessings and energise the
community. For example, during Thaipusam or
Pongal, the Parai’s rhythmic sound accompanies
rituals, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and
the connection to the divine.

Community and Social Integration:

• The Parai brings communities together during
public celebrations, festivals, and even protests.
The rhythm created by the Parai is often
infectious, encouraging group participation,
whether in dance or collective singing. It
strengthens communal bonds and symbolizes
social cohesion. In many villages, the drum
accompanies agricultural festivals, marking the
cycles of planting and harvest, and is also used in
rituals that celebrate natural forces like water or
the harvest.

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Symbol of Resistance and Empowerment:
• Throughout the 20th century, the Parai played a
significant role in social movements, particularly
those spearheaded by Dravidian parties and the
Dalit rights movement. It became a symbol of
resistance against the oppressive caste system
and a means of asserting the power of
marginalised groups. The sound of the Parai was
not just music; it was a message of defiance and
social change.

2 DOLU
Rhythmic Backbone of Folk Music and Dance:
• The Dolu is crucial in providing the rhythmic
foundation for Andhra Pradesh’s folk music. It
accompanies traditional dances like Dolu Aata,
where performers synchronize their movements
with the beats of the drum. The rhythm of the
Dolu helps drive the energy and pace of the
dance, which is characterized by its community-
oriented nature and vibrant energy. The Dolu is
integral to the flow of the performance, creating
an exciting, lively atmosphere.

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Sacred and Spiritual Functions:
• Like the Parai, the Dolu is also an essential part
of religious celebrations and temple rituals. In
temple processions and devotional practices, the
Dolu’s beats are considered to have spiritual
significance, invoking the presence of deities and
creating a divine aura around the festivities.
During Bhakti (devotional) movements and
festivals like Ugadi, the drum helps set the
spiritual tone, aligning the rhythm of the universe
with that of the devotees.

Cultural and Regional Pride:

• The Dolu is deeply woven into the fabric of
Andhra Pradesh’s cultural identity. It is played
during major regional festivals like Sankranti,
Ugadi, and Dasara, marking key moments in the
agricultural calendar and celebrating the
changing seasons. In these contexts, the Dolu is
used to honor local deities, commemorate
historical events, and celebrate the triumph of
good over evil.

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Community Building and Social Cohesion:
• The Dolu plays an important role in bringing
people together. The instrument is often used in
village festivals, where the beats encourage
communal participation and collective joy. The
rhythmic sound of the Dolu fosters a sense of
unity and shared experience, whether it’s in the
context of a temple procession, a community
dance, or a celebratory gathering. Its loud,
energetic rhythm reflects the vibrancy and
camaraderie of the community, making it a
symbol of togetherness.

Traditional Musical and Folk Heritage:

• The Dolu is a symbol of Andhra Pradesh's rich
folk heritage. While the instrument itself has
ancient roots, it continues to play a central role in
preserving traditional music and dance forms in
the region. Folk performances that feature the
Dolu often combine storytelling, dance, and
music, creating a holistic cultural experience that
connects the past with the present. The continued
use of the Dolu in contemporary performances,
alongside modern instruments, ensures that this
ancient form of music remains relevant in today's
world.

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 ROLE IN TRADITIONAL
CELEBRATION
1 PARAI
The Parai has been deeply intertwined with religious
festivals and temple celebrations. During Tamil festivals
such as Pongal, Thaipusam, Aadi Perukku, and
Karthigai Deepam, the Parai is used to create an
atmosphere of fervor and devotion. The instrument is
often heard during temple processions, where its
rhythmic beats are thought to invoke divine blessings
and energize devotees.
In addition to its religious functions, the Parai plays a
major role in social gatherings and folk music. It is
commonly used in traditional dance forms like Kavadi
Attam and Karagattam, where the dancers synchronize
their movements to the beats of the Parai. The
instrument also forms an essential part of village
festivals, where community members come together to
celebrate with music and dance.

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 2 DOLU
The Dolu was historically associated with temple rituals
and festivals in Andhra Pradesh, similar to the Parai in
Tamil Nadu. It played a key role in Bhakti movements ,
where rhythm and sound were seen as powerful
mediums for invoking divine blessings. The Dolu’s
sound was believed to summon the gods and create a
sacred atmosphere during worship.
• In Temple Processions: The Dolu is commonly
used in temple festivals, especially in
processions, where it accompanies deities on
their journeys through the streets. The drum’s
beats create a sense of divine rhythm, uniting the
devotees in their collective worship. In these
contexts, the Dolu was considered a sacred
instrument
• Folk Celebrations and Dances: Beyond religious
contexts, the Dolu is deeply integrated into
Andhra’s folk traditions, particularly during
festivals like Ugadi and Sankranti. In these
celebrations, the Dolu accompanies traditional
dance forms such as Dolu Aata, where the
rhythm of the drum is synchronized with
energetic, coordinated movements by groups of
people.

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 VISUAL REPRESENTATION
1 PARAI

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 2 DOLU

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 CONCLUSION
While both the Parai and Dolu are vital to South Indian
music, their roles and impact vary. The Parai carries a
heavier ceremonial and spiritual weight, often linked to
religious functions, while the Dolu is more flexible in
its use within the folk music traditions. Both drums
contribute to the richness of South Indian culture but in
distinct ways.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. WIKIPEDIA
2. NLB.GOV.SG
3. LEARN INSTRUMENTS INDIA
4. MUSCI AND SMALL USA

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