The Tradition of Parai Instrument and its Role

பறை வாத்திய பாரம்பரியமும் அதன் வகிபாகமும் பற்றிய ஆய்வு

Abstract

Parai is an ancient musical instrument of Tamils. It is generally played by Tamils living in the north-eastern regions of Sri Lanka in social, religious events, rituals and entertainment. As a mother instrument, from the Sangam period till today, they look at this as the first instrument from the orgin of other musical instruments. Since the Sangam period, this instrument was used to announce news and government orders to the people. Various sounds were used on the drums as Sign language symbols to exchange messages from one village to another.