Ishal is the melodic framework within which Mappila Songs are composed.[1] Though identical to tala(metre (music)) and raga of Indian music, it has influences from the ancient folk songs of Kerala and Arabian musical traditions.[2]

Ishals with its distinct tunes convey the emotion and mood of the lyrics being rendered. As mappila songs are also used in mappila performing arts like Oppana, Kolkali, Duffmuttu, etc.; the change in ishals changes the dance moves. [3] Ishals like Kuthirabaravu / Kuthirathalam meaning 'horse rhythm' gives the audience the feel of a galloping horse, with its distinctive rhythmic rendering.[4] [1]

Much of the recorded sources of ishals are Mappila literary works written in Arabi-Malayalam. Moyinkutty Vaidyar's work alone has used numerous different Ishals in composition. Oral transmission is another source of information on various ishals. Researches on Ishals are still underway.[5][6]

List of known Ishals

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  • Kombu, with its various sub categories.
  • Thongal
  • Bambu
  • Akanthar / Chayppu Virutham
  • Oppana Chayal & Oppana Murukkam
  • Hakkana
  • Mihraaj
  • Munajaat
  • Kavi
  • Maanitham Kwala & Maanitham Kwala Murukkam
  • Aadi Antham
  • Pukayinaar
  • Aaramba
  • Thalelam
  • Oosha Birutham
  • Makkanabi
  • Changu Kalangi / Chattamaettam
  • Mariyum Kinnaram
  • Kalithaalam
  • Akabhalippu
  • Ondan
  • Ketti Imaam
  • Virutham
  • Veerasha
  • Param Enikathil [7]
  • Veeraar
  • Naeshamaasha
  • Aashayul
  • Koolamammayil
  • Madanamani / Veervirutham
  • Kuthirabaravu

[8] [3] [5]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Mappila Muslims: A Study on Society and Anti Colonial Struggles" By Husain Raṇṭattāṇi.
  2. ^ Abdurahiman.K.P "Mappila heritage: A study in their social and cultural life" Thesis. Department of History, University of Calicut, 2004.
  3. ^ a b Abdurahiman.K.P "Mappila heritage: A study in their social and cultural life" Thesis. Department of History, University of Calicut, 2004. Chapter~7 'Mappila Tradition In Folk Arts'.
  4. ^ "Mappilapaattu or Mappila songs | Muslim songs of Kerala". Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  5. ^ a b Ishal Thanima Audio CD, Mahakavi Moyinkutty Vaidyar Mappila Kala Academy, Kondotty, Kerala.
  6. ^ "Mappila Muslims: A Study on Society and Anti Colonial Struggles" By Husain Raṇṭattāṇi.
  7. ^ "Mappilapattu version of Ramayana soon" Times of India, 23 July 2017.
  8. ^ "Islamika Vinjanakosham", Islamic Publishing House, vol. 7 & 8