Search Results

Issue 1: What rights do they have over their traditional songs that have been passed down through generations? 1. Traditional Knowledge, Folklore, and Copyright Traditional songs/folklore often fall under the category of traditional cultural expressions ...

Issue 2: When they write new songs in their indigenous languages for films or other projects, who owns the copyright? When a musician writes an original new song (melody + lyrics) in an indigenous language, that is clearly an original musical work + lyric w...

  Objective Strategy / Mechanism Notes / Limitations Protecting traditional songs / community heritage Document in writing or audio/video, maintain archives and metadata about community origin and custodianship. Create cus...

Issue: Many of them do not understand the concept of royalties or how it applies; they are often paid a one-time fee, which may be insufficient. Guidance Needed: 1. What is a royalty (in simple terms)? A royalty is a payment made to a copyright owner, based...

Issue: When they are presented with contracts stating that they have no further rights to their songs after one-time payment. Are such contracts enforceable? What options do they have? -------------------------------------- 1. Assigning / Transferring copyri...

Issue: They need to learn how to create simple contracts and invoices that protect their rights and avoid giving away their songs completely. --------------------------------------- 1. Why written contracts matter Oral agreements are weaker in enforceme...

PurposeThe purpose of this procurement policy is to ensure that all purchases made by The Archival and ResearchProjects (ARPO) are conducted ethically, transparently, and in compliance with applicable laws and donorrequirements. This policy aims to ensure fair...

PurposeThe purpose of this procurement policy is to ensure that all purchases made by The Archival andResearch Project (ARPO) are conducted ethically, transparently, and in compliance withapplicable laws and donor requirements. This policy aims to ensure fairn...

Purpose This policy outlines the expected standards of professional and ethical behavior for all employeesof ARPO. It aims to: Maintain a positive and respectful work environment. Ensure the integrity and reputation of the organization. Protect employees...

According to the beliefs of the Mannan community, Mannan-Koothu was founded by two ancestral brothers, Panchampoolan and Periyanankan. Guided by Poolappan Poolan Kaani, the brothers approached two sisters, Valuvakotha and Valuvachakki, who were known for their...

Mannan-Koothu features different types of characters, including male, female, and comedian roles. Traditionally, only men performed in the Koothu, with male performers also taking on female roles. In recent times, however, this has begun to change — elderly wo...

The name Kalavoottu is derived from the words Kaalam (meaning a year or season) and Oottu (meaning feast), it symbolizes an annual ritual feast dedicated to the deities. Through this feast, the community offers thanks for the blessings received over the past y...

Payayil Iruthal (also called Payel Iruthal) is a traditional mourning ritual observed by the Mannan community of Kerala. It is performed by the spouse of a deceased individual to honour their memory, traditionally for three consecutive years. The ritual involv...

Meenoottu is an annual ritual performed by the Mannan community to seek protection from diseases and ensure the general welfare of the community. Traditionally observed three days after Kalayoottu at Kovilmala, it was once practiced across multiple regions ali...

Pongal is one of the major festivals celebrated by the Mannan community, alongside Kalayoottu. The festival involves prayers and offerings to the deities of each region of the community settlements, collectively referred to as the 42 adiyan. Pongal is observed...

The Mannan community believes that there are about eighty-five Koothu songs in existence. These songs have been passed down through generations as part of an oral tradition. They narrate the story of Kannaki and Kovalan — from their birth to Kannaki’s arrival ...

Three main musical instruments or accessories are integral to Mannan-Koothu:(i) Mathalam(ii) Chilanka(iii) Ilathalam The instrumentalists sit on a wooden platform known as benchikol or kol, which serves as their stage. The Mathalam player is seated in the fro...

Traditionally, women of the Mannan community did not perform Mannan Koothu. One major reason for this restriction is the presence of Ayyappa worship and related rituals within the performance, which prohibit participation by menstruating women. Elderly women, ...

MannanKoothu has found a new platform through tourism initiatives in Kumily, supported by the Department of Forest and Wildlife under the Eco-Development Committee (EDC) scheme. Daily performances are held at the Vanashree Auditorium in Kumily. Earlier, the pr...

This system of governance — combining kingship, councils, law enforcement, and divine intermediaries — reflects a holistic form of leadership that intertwines administration, spirituality, and community welfare, sustaining the Mannan people’s cultural identity...