Question
M.V. Ambujakshi performs the Devakoothu version of this ritual at the Ezhom Kozhichikavu Devi (“YAY-rome KO-rich-ee KAH-vih THEY-vee”) Temple and is the only female performer of its nearly 450 variants. For 10 points each:
[10h] Name this ritual performance art of North Malabar, Kerala, that takes place during the harvest season. These performances predate Hinduism and involve performers embodying local deities, animistic spirits, and ancestors.
ANSWER: theyyam
[10e] Many theyyam recount injustices against women or members of this caste. Reverence for theyyam performers represents an inversion of typical social norms that oppress this caste, as only its members may perform theyyam.
ANSWER: Dalits [accept Scheduled Castes, accept harijans; accept untouchables]
[10m] Theyyam reflect local religious plurality; for example, the Mappila theyyam opens with recitation of this formula that opens with four takbir and exhorts listeners to “come to success” before the artist is possessed by a Hindu goddess.
ANSWER: adhān [or azan; or call to prayer; accept descriptive equivalents, including ones with “salah” or “salat” or “namaz” in place of “prayer”; reject just “prayer,” “salah,” “salat,”or “namaz”]
<HK, Religion (Other Subcontinent)>
Data
Summary
| Tournament | Edition | Exact Match? | Heard | PPB | Easy % | Medium % | Hard % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 RMP Fest Online Mirror | 05/31/25 | N | 4 | 12.50 | 100% | 25% | 0% |
| 2025 RMP Fest Carleton Mirror | 07/13/25 | N | 3 | 10.00 | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| 2025 RMP Fest CO Mirror | 08/10/25 | Y | 6 | 5.00 | 50% | 0% | 0% |