Margamkali

The Margamkali is a performing art of the Syriac Christians of Kerala. The word 'Margam' may be roughly translated to mean path, way, religion or creed. Margamkali is said to have developed from Kalaripayattu. It was used as a means to propagate the Christian religion.

The Margamkali is a ritual folk dance in which twelve people dance around a traditional oil lamp (Nilavilakku). They represent the twelve apostles and Christ himself is represented by the lamp. They perform the dance wearing the traditional white dhoti and a peacock feather on the turban

There is a traditional text which accompanies the Margamkali. It is in 14 strophes and has about 450 lines. This song is said to be of a period older than the Portuguese invasion of Kerala. The narration is not accompanied by any musical instrument. The theme of the song is a rendition of St. Thomas’ activities in Malabar and his ultimate martyrdom. This is the song dance part of the art form. The song is sun by the leader of the troupe called the “Asan”.

The rest of the performers lend the chorus. The language of the narration reveals the intimacy between Old Tamil and Malayalam. With passing time new songs were added to the original text and these were in pure Malayalam. Next to the song-dance there is a display of martial arts with artificial swords and shields. The Parichamuttukali is one such martial art displayed in the Margankali

Traditionally the Margamkali was the recreation or activity which helped the Christian soldiers pass time. Recently however, it is almost a compulsory performance in Syriac Christian weddings and such occasions. Anjilimoottil Ittithomman Kathanar is a famous exponent of the art.

Margamkali is essentially famous among the Syrian Christ of Kottayam and Thrissur districts of Kerala. Traditionally it was an art performed by men only. Nowadays it is also performed by women and on stage and school competitions etc.