Children, do you know that Thappattam has been in practice from
ancient times? In Tamil, the word "parai" means to "speak"
or to "tell". The parai is an ancient instrument performed in the
courts of Sangam, Chola and Pandiya rulers. The drums were used to announce
important messages and orders of the great Tamil Kings. The famous epic
Silapathigaram talks about the striking rhythm of the Parai (Thappu). The same
person beats the Thappu and also dances.