Thoni by Aa. Sivasubramanian

Of late I have been interested in folk culture and anything associated with it. As a result my readings have been partial. I have read few books related to folk culture. Of these books i really liked the book authored by Aa. Sivasubramanian. The title of the book is Thoni.It is a book related to Material Culture(a part subject within the vast section of folklore). This science deals with things used by a community. It specks about its origin, its usages, its capacity to withstand the fast scientific developments, its adaptability to the growing science, etc.In this book the author has talked about Thoni, the Tamil's mode of sea transport from ancient times. The author gives various informations about Thoni from Sangam Literature. By which he establishes that it is a Pure Tamil invention. It was doing the job of the modern day ship. The author wonderfully talks about its evolution from a Odam(to cross river) to Thoni(to cross the sea). It is an interesting part.Moreover the author tells about the making of Thoni. It reveals one fact: the immense intelligence of the ancient Tamils.Another interesting fact is about the people who were experts in sea travel and sea trade. They were mostly Muslims or Paradhavars(Paravars).The author also talks about the axioms, proverbs and other word formations which owe origin to Thoni and its parts. These sayings are mostly used by fishing community.There is another part which says about Catholics who are engaed in Thoni and fishing profession. The interesting news is about how the catholics changed few things to suit their belief. These beliefs were ancient in origin. They cannot be changed. So they are kept in practise but are given Christian colour. There are more interesting facts: Amba paattu - sailors' song, is one of them.Read more of them and get enlightened.