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

• 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