Sun May 11 11:13:27 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu Launches Digital Archive to Preserve Endangered Traditional Arts**
CHENNAI, INDIA – May 11, 2025 – The Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department of Tamil Nadu has launched an ambitious project to digitally preserve the state’s endangered traditional performing arts. The initiative, titled “Suvadugal,” aims to create a comprehensive digital archive of thousands of indigenous art forms and oral traditions practiced by Adi Dravidar and tribal communities, many of which are facing extinction due to rapid socio-economic changes and lack of institutional support.
According to R. Kaleeswaran, founder of the Alternate Media Centre, over 560 art forms are still practiced, but many remain under-documented or misrepresented. He cited examples such as Singari Melam, Radha Kavadi, Kaniyan Koothu, Periya Melam, Perum Parai, and Malai Koothu, highlighting the unique and ritualistic Bootha Kabala Aatam, practiced by only a handful of artists.
“Suvadugal” will document these art forms and musical instruments in audio-visual formats, ensuring their survival and transmission to future generations. The project represents a crucial effort to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage.
First Piper 