thirra-performers-cast-in-caste-out

Kozhikode, Kerala

Oct 25, 2025

Thirra performers: cast in, caste out

North Kerala’s Thirra artists are Dalits. Their art includes playing the role of gods in sacred groves and temple premises of upper caste patrons where their art is feted, but their caste is not forgotten

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Author

Devananda S

Devananda S was a PARI intern in 2024. A student of Miranda House, Delhi University, she is interested in art and literature, experimenting its possibilities in movements and resistance.

Photographs

Niveditha S

Niveditha S is a first year undergraduate student of English at Miranda House, University of Delhi. She combines her academic interest with a passion for photography and filmmaking.
 

Editor

Sarbajaya Bhattacharya

Sarbajaya Bhattacharya is a Senior Editor at PARI. She also works closely with interns and student volunteers as a part of PARI Education. Sarbajaya is an experienced Bangla translator. Based in Kolkata, she is interested in the history of the city and travel literature.

Editor

Priti David

Priti David is the Executive Editor of PARI. She writes on forests, Adivasis and livelihoods. Priti also leads the Education section of PARI and works with schools and colleges to bring rural issues into the classroom and curriculum.

Photo Editor

Binaifer Bharucha

Binaifer Bharucha is a freelance photographer based in Mumbai, and Photo Editor at the People's Archive of Rural India.