CLASS IX

MATHEMATICS

SUBJECT ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY

ART INTEGRATED PROJECT ON TAMIL NADU

YEAR : 2023 – 24

Topic : Use of Mathematics in Kolam Art Form

General Instructions

1. This is a Group Project and each group will have 4 to 6 members depending upon
the class strength.
2. It is mandatory for each member of a group to participate.
3. Each student shall take the responsibility of contributing to the Project by the way
of incorporating pictures (paintings, sketches, photographs), research on the project
and write ups based on different aspects of the theme. The students may divide the
work among themselves and the concerned teacher may help them in this context, if
required.
4. Project write-ups should be handwritten.
5. At the end of the Project the nature of contribution of each member to this Activity
should be clearly written on a page entitled ‘Contribution’. The following format
may be used:
CONTRIBUTION
Roll no. …… Name…. – Write up on ………
Roll no. …… Name…… – etc.
6. The Group Leader will finally submit the hard copy of the compiled Group Project
to the Mathematics teacher of the section within the due date.
7. This activity may be a part of Internal Assessment.

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 Writing Instructions

1. Use interleaf (one side ruled and one side unruled) sheets and lace file to do your
activity.

2. The front page should contain the following information:

(i) Name of the School : South Point High School
(ii) Name of the State : West Bengal
(iii) Names and Class Roll Numbers of the Members of the Group :
(iv) Class and Section (with session) :
(v) Year : 2023 – 2024
(vi) Subject : Mathematics
(vii) Subject Enrichment Activity : Art Integrated Project on Tamil Nadu
(viii) Topic : Use of Mathematics in Kolam Art
3. You may start writing the main content of the activity from the second sheet.
4. The activity must contain the signature of each group member at the end.
5. You need to focus on the use and influence of Mathematics (mainly of your level)
in making this project on Kolam Art form of Tamil Nadu.
6. You need to include the points given in the following write up, while writing your
project. This will guide you to write your activity. You may include other points as
well as per your research and study.

Use of Mathematics in Kolam Art Form

1. Brief Introduction of Tamil Nadu
2. What is Kolam Art and where are they found?
[Hint: Kolam (also known as Muggu or Tarai Alangaram or Rangoli) is a form of
traditional decorative art that is drawn by using rice flour as per age-old conventions.
It is also drawn using white stone powder, chalk, or chalk powder, often along with

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 natural or synthetic colour powders. Its origin belongs to the ancient Tamil Nadu
known as Tamilakam and has since spread to the other southern Indian states of
Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. A Kolam or Muggu is a
geometrical drawing composed of straight lines, curves, and loops, drawn around a
grid pattern of dots. It is widely practised by female family members in front of their
house entrance, although men and boys also practice this tradition]
3. History and Use of Kolam Art :
[Hint: Kolams are thought to bring prosperity to homes. In millions of households in
Tamil Nadu, women draw Kolams in front of their home entrance every day at the
break of dawn. Traditionally Kolams are drawn on the flat surface of the ground with
white rice flour. Instead of rice flour, white stone powder is occasionally used for
creating Kolam; cow dung is also used to wax the floors. The drawings get walked on
throughout the day, washed out in the rain, or blown around in the wind; new ones are
made the next day. Each morning before sunrise, the front entrance of the house, or
wherever the Kolam may be drawn, is swept clean, sprinkled with water, thereby
making for a flat surface.
Decoration is not the main purpose of a Kolam. In the olden days, Kolams were drawn
in coarse rice flour so the ants would not have to walk too far or too long for a meal.
The rice powder also invites birds and other small creatures to eat it, thus welcoming
other beings into one's home and everyday life : a daily tribute to harmonious co-
existence.
The patterns range from geometric and mathematical line drawings around a matrix of
dots to free-form artwork and closed shapes. Folklore has evolved to mandate that the
lines must be completed to symbolically prevent evil spirits from entering the inside of
the shapes. Thus, they are prevented from entering the inside of the home.]

4. Use of Geometrical Shapes and Mathematical Ratio in Kolam Art

(i) Circles, triangles, squares, and other regular polygons and shapes.
(ii) The symmetry and the similarity among the geometrical figures.
(iii) The use of different mathematical ratios.
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 [Here you need to discuss the use of Mathematics in Kolam art. The construction of
different regular geometrical shapes, the ratio to maintain the similarity, the symmetry
of the shapes, inscribing one shape into the other covering the optimum area and the
basic geometrical instruments used in drawing the art, will be area of your discussion.]

Some examples for your guidance :

5. Images of Kolam Art (can be downloaded from internet or drawn by the pupils)
6. Your observation as a learner of Mathematics, about the use and importance of
Mathematics in such an art form.

DATE OF THE ACTIVITY : 25th September, 2023

DUE DATE (SUMISSION OF PROJECT) : 30th November, 2023

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