Mohiniyattom : An important Indian classical dance

An introduction to mohiniyattom

We all are familiar with mohiniyattom. The important point regarding mohiniyattom is that this is a graceful dance performed by women. Among the 8 Indian classical dance forms, mohiniyattom is having an important place. Do you know which the 8 Indian classical dance forms are? The 8 Indian classical dance forms are Sattriya from Assam, Odissi from Orissa, Mohiniyattom from Kerala, Manipuri from Manipur, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Kathakali from Kerala, Kathak from Uttar Pradesh & Bharatanatyam from Tamil nadu. Actually Indian dances are any performing art forms seen in India. The term classical in Indian classical dances denotes the theatre, dance & music based art styles.

What mohiniyattom is?

It is important to note that mohiniyattom is a traditional dance from South India, especially Kerala. Kerala is known as the God's own country. This is a great dance developed by vadivelu.Do you know who vadivelu is? Remember that vadivelu is one among Thanjavur Quartet. Another important point is that vadivelu was a musician in the court of Swathitirunal. Several efforts were made by Swathitirunal & Vallathol Narayana Menon for encouraging this art. We all know about swathitirunal. He was the Maharaja of ancient state of Travancore. He was also a great musician.

Vallathol Narayana Menon is popularly known as Mahakavi. He was born in Malappuram district of Kerala state, India. Remember that Kerala Kalamandalam was established by Vallathol in 1930. Kerala Kalamandalam is situated in Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur district, Kerala state, India. The training for mohiniyattom is given at Kerala Kalamandalam. It is important to note that every dance forms are associated with a theme. In mohiniyattom the theme is devotion & love to Vishnu or Krishna. Actually this is an important traditional dance. The unique feature of mohiniyattom is the facial expressions & the movements of eyes & body. In mohiniyattom, mohini means enchantress & attam means dance.

Smt Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma : Mother Of Mohiniyattom

The important point to remember about mohiniyattom is that Smt Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma is the mother of this famous art. She is a native of Thirunavaya situated in Malappuram district of Kerala state India. She was the wife of late Padma Shri Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair who was a renowed kathakali artist. She died on 12 may 1999.

Important feature of mohiniyattom

The important feature of mohiniyattom is the use of hand gestures by the artists who perform this art. Actually this is a short hand sign language to tell the story. Another fact is that this traditional art is considered to have elements from Kathakali & Bharatanatyam which are 2 famous South Indian dance forms. In these art forms the movements are known as atavukal.

Costumes, Instruments & Jewellery used in mohiniyattom

Do you know the costumes, jewellery & instruments used in mohiniyattom? If not, check the below points. White sari which is embroidered with kasavu at the edges is the common costume used in mohiniyattom. Expression by fingers & hand palm is very important here. The lyrics used in this traditional dance are manipravalam. Actually this is a mixture of Malayalam & Sanskrit. Eye expression is very important in this art. Usually simple make up is used. The lining of the eye are given black color. Hairs are tied in the form of a bun & the important feature is the presence of jasmine flower on hair.

The jewellery used in mohiniyattom includes gold or sometimes gold plated one. The jewellery included is kaasumala, maangamala, jimikki, elakkathali, nose stud etc. I hope malayalees are familiar with this ornaments. As the name indicates kaasumala is made by attaching gold coins together but maangamala is made by attaching gem studded mango shaped pieces together. The instruments used in mohiniyattom are veena, maddalam, idakka etc. Remember that veena is an instrument which consists of strings & is mainly used in carnatic musics. Actually maddalam is a drum which has 2 sides for playing.

Encouraging mohiniyattom

I hope malayalees are familiar with some famous mohiniyattom dancers like Dr Neena Prasad, Gopika Varma etc. Since this is one of the Indian classical dance forms, efforts must be taken to encourage the participants who perform this art. Also note that this is an important item in Youth festivals.