Clothes are not only a
part of our culture but also have a history and politics. The faculties of cultural heritage and history of Thunchanthu Ezhuthachan Malayalam University
has conducted ‘Udayada-Verum Vazhiyum’, an exhibition of costumes of Kerala at
their campus at Vakkad, Tirur in Malappuram district (Kerala).
There were different galleries titled Undress to dress, Politics of dress, Daily attire, Formal clothing, Ornaments, Costumes of performing arts, Uniforms, Industry and modern trends etc.
The costumes used by different religions, communities and tribes were on display.
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Silk Saree with Bicycle designed borders, used in 1956 by
a Muslim family. Private collection of
Abdul Latheef Thevarkattil, Paravanna in Malappuram district, Kerala
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In the section of politics
of dress, narrated the stories about political/social revolts like Channar
revolt (the upper cloth movement started in 1822), Achippudava Samaram (1858,
Agitation for the right to wear Achippudava, a kind of cloth usually worn by
the women of upper class of that time), Ghosha Boykott by Nambuthiri ladies
during 1930s to abandon a type of covering cloth ‘Ghosha’, etc. from the
history, that made some remarkable social reforms.
Another interesting
category was the costumes and ornaments of performing arts of Kerala-
Kutiyattam, Theyyam, Kathakali, Ottanthullal etc.
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KC K Kunjhiraman, Payyoli, Traditional Theyyam/Thira
performer with his collection of costumes.
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The exhibition showcased
various types of cloths and ornaments used by various communities including
tribes from olden times to the present. The exhibition which started on
10 Oct. 2017 concluded on 13 Oct. The exhibition was an eye opener to the students
and public from the locality to understand the influence of cloths in social-
cultural-political life of Keralites.
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