Mappila Songs - Influence

Influence

Mala songs and ordinary life

The Mala songs were believed to inculcate a religious belief in those who recited and listened to them and were hence given a spiritual status corresponding to the works of Ezhuthachan and Cherusseri Namboothiri amongst the Hindu population of Malabar. Many were recited daily at Mappila homes. The Muhyidheen Mala was considered as a protection from all calamities while the Rifa'i Mala was chanted as a cure from burns and snake bites. Similarly, the Nafeesath Mala was prescribed for pregnant woman for an easy child birth. The importance accorded to the Mala songs was so high that their memorization was regarded as a qualification for a would-be bride.

Songs of Moyinkutty Vaidyar used to be sung and explained to public audiences in what was known as Seera Parayana Sadassu (history recital sessions). These often lasted for many nights together and were a popular scene throughout the Malabar.

The early 20th century witnessed the rise of reform movements within the Mappila community. They objected to the messages of the Mala songs citing their contradictions with many of the basic tenets of Islam, often referring to them as Khurafath. Occasionally though, they used same medium to spread their message. Examples of these included the Parishkara Mala and the Durachara Mala.

Cinema and poetry

The spirit of their themes and beauty of representation in the Mappila Paattukal have left a lasting impression on Malayalam poetry. Well-known poets like P. Krishna Kumar, P. Bhaskaran, and Vayalar Ramavarma have composed a great number of popular Mappila songs. Mappila songs have been popular in the Malayalam cinema ever since the success of the 1954 classic Kayalarikaathu vala erinjappol by K. Raghavan from the movie Neelakuyil. Other popular melodies include Oru kotta ponnundallo from the movie Kuttikuppayam and Palanu thenanu from Umma by M.S Baburaj. Some of the movies that prominently include songs of this genre are Mailanchi, Pathinalamravu, Ulpathi, Sammanam, Manya Maha Janangale, Sammelanam, 1921 and Marc Antony.

Television

"Mylanchi" is the most popular reality show by Asianet. The show is on the way to the second season. Patturumal is a popular reality show on Mappilapattu being aired on Kairali TV. Jai Hind TV channel has telecast a reality showy by name "Mappilapattukal".

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