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The Communist Princes of Cochin Royal Family | Ft. Prasanna Varma | SAGA with Manu S Pillai | Ep 3
The third episode takes us into one of Kerala’s most fascinating and lesser-discussed histories—the royal family of Cochin. This was a dynasty where princes became communists, princesses spun khadi in response to Mahatma Gandhi’s call, and matriliny shaped complex and intimate domestic worlds. Manu S Pillai is joined by Prasanna Varma, a literary translator whose father and husband both belong to the Cochin royal family. Through personal anecdotes and historical insight, the
Kerala Islam & Mappila Culture Ft. Dr Ajmal Mueen | SAGA with Manu S Pillai | Ep 2
Scholar Dr Ajmal Mueen joins Manu S Pillai to discuss the Mishkal mosque and its history, the Mappilas, and issues concerning heritage that face the Muslim community in Kerala.
Exploring Chenda ft. Deepu Menon | SAGA with Manu S Pillai | Ep 1
From political processions to temple festivals, victory celebrations to even weddings, the chenda is one of Kerala's most iconic, ubiquitous musical instruments. Join Manu S Pillai in Arpo's Saga series as he sits down with Deepu Menon, a young chenda performer, to understand the life of a modern chenda artist, how the art form is evolving in the 21st century world, and what an elementary lesson in playing the chenda feels and looks like.
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