Theru Kuthu (Street Drama)

As said supra, one panel in the Thantonrisvara temple at Kanchipuram appear to indicate portrayal of a Theru Kuthu. This panel (fig. 25) shows three men and a woman engaged in an animated communication. Of these, one man with a prominent mustache and a sword tucked at his waist followed by the other two men is seen expressing something to the lady in front, for which she reciprocates with a gesture by her hands. Unfortunately as these panels of this temple are now no longer in their original context, it is impossible to state, whether they together narrate some part of a story or all these panels are individual portrayals. If the former explanation is accepted, then it is most probable that they depict some drama. It is well known that the art of theater is popular in the Pallava period as attested not only by the inscription from Mamandur but also from the extant manuscripts of the two dramas viz., Mattavilasaprahasana and Bhagavadajjukam. From the inscription at Mamandur^[1] it is learnt that king Mahendravarman I was himself the author of both these dramas. They belong to the category of prahasana or farce i.e. humorous in style. Further, the text Bhagavadajjukam itself refers to the popularity of enacting plays in royal palace and mentions that a good performance will be recognized and received royal patronage^[2].