ARPO

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 episode explores...

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.

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.