Watch the video: A tough and challenging folk art, Thappattam is performed by dancers who play their own hand-held drums, the thappu . This ancient and popular dance calls for plenty of coordination, as the dancer needs to synchronise the hand and leg movements.

Aparna Karthikeyan

Aparna Karthikeyan is an independent journalist, author and Senior Fellow, PARI. Her non-fiction book 'Nine Rupees an Hour' documents the disappearing livelihoods of Tamil Nadu. She has written five books for children. Aparna lives in Chennai with her family and dogs.

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