Raising and selling children in the game of Pallankuzhi

Abstract

Folk games serve as vital cultural media for transmitting a community's lifestyle and cultural experiences from one generation to the next. Among the traditional games of Tamil Nadu Pallanguzhi is closely intertwined with the lives of women. This study aims to examine specific socio-cultural elements manifested through the game namely, child-rearing and 'selling of children. In Pasumpandi a variant of Pallanguzhi the game element known as Pasu (cow) is symbolically equated with children. Activities such as child-rearing and feeding are enacted through the mechanics of the game. Conversely, losing      these pieces to the opponent when unable to sustain them is referred to as selling the children. This study utilizes data gathered through fieldwork and Pasupandi game songs as primary sources. It demonstrates that Pallanguzhi is not merely a recreational pastime but also reflects women's social roles, child-rearing practices, food security, economic conditions, historical social experiences, and cultural memory.