Margamkali is a group dance developed by the Syrian Christians of
Kerala, for the propagation of Christian religious ideas. The word 'Margam' means path, religion, or creed. The dancers play in a circle around a lighted oil lamp while singing themselves, without any accompanying instruments. The leader of the troupe or tutor known as 'Asan' leads the song and the group repeats it and dances. The language used in the songs of Margamkali reveals its relation with old
Tamil.
