Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month. The exhibit for the month of February, 2019 – ‘Urumili’ (A double membrane earthen musical drum) used in Irula Tribe from Palghat, Kerala, is on display in the indoor exhibition building – Veethi Sankul.
The 'exhibit of the month' has been jointly inaugurated by Madhurima Barua Sen, IAS (Secretary, Department of Culture, Government of Assam, Guwahati, Assam) and Eugenia Vanina, Senior Research Scholar, Institute of Oriental Studies, Moscow, Russia. Prof Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri (Director, IGRMS), and renowned people present on this occasion. This exhibit of the month has been curetted by Arun Kiro (Assistant Curator).
Urumili or Pore is a double membrane pot drum made of earthen body and leather membrane, which is made and used by the Irulas for themselves. Irula is a small tribal community. Prepared lives in South-eastern part of India, whose traditional occupation is snake and rat catching.
The origin of the word ‘Irular’ is unclear. Some describes the word ‘Irula’ as the nomenclature derived from the Tamil word ‘Irul’ implying the dark complexion. Irulas are often being spotted by villagers as distinct silhouettes in the forests. Supporting their local name, the forest people claim themselves to have originated from darkness.
Others are of the opinion that the word ‘Irula’ is a derivative of the archaic word ‘erular’ which means ‘one who digs tubers’, as the indigenous people of that time engaged in the activity.
The present exhibition throws light on the musical culture of the Irulas, especially the typology, socio-religious utilities, and the significant ceremonial conducts associated with this fascinating membranous drum.