Classical Fine Arts of Kerala

Koodiyatam

Koodiyatam is the oldest known classical theater form in the entire world. Koodiyatam is a Sanskrit dance drama performed only in Kerala. The UNESCO recognises Koodiyatam as a 'Human Heritage Art'. The original form of Koodiyatam was modified to the present state by an erstwhile king of Kerala, the Kulasekhara Varma Cheraman Perumal. Koodiyatam is performed only in some temples, where special stages known as Koothambalams exist. This is performed by male and female artists. Because the performances are by male and female artists, this art is called Koodiyatam. The fine arts like Krishnanatam, Ramanatam, Kathakali, Chakyar Koothu etc have come from Koodiyatam with modifications in language and the costumes.

Krishnnattam

Krishnanatam is believed formulated by the Samoothiri (Zamorin) raja of Kozhikode, Manavedan during the late 16th century. Manavedan Samoothiri was a great devotee of Lord Krishna (Guruvayoorappan) of Guruvayur. He wrote slokams and padams largely in Sanskrit.Krishnanatam is presented as a song, dance and acting art with the accompanying instrumental orchestra. As the name indicates Krishnanatam is based on the story of Lord Krishna as a series of 8 plays performed on 8 nights. This art is performed only in the Guruvayoor Temple during the temple festival and as offerings by devotees according the vows. Ramanatam and Kathakali were derived from this art.

Ramanatam

Kerala Varma Raja of Kottarakkara composed Ramayanam stories in Aattakatha fashion. This was in the form of verses set to music and prose dialogues. Kerala Varma named this new art as Ramanattam, and wished to bring in all the pomp and grandeur of Krishnanattam to it. Ramanatam is based only on Ramayanam.This art was frequently reviewed and improved by various persons, till it reached the present form of Kathakali.

Kathakali:

Kerala and Kathakali art are inseparable. It is one form of art of Kerala which is known throughout the world thanks to the effort of Maha Kavi Vallathol Narayan Menon. He revived and propagated this art which was on the verge of death at his time. Kathakali is a form of group dance and abhinaya (facial expressions and gestures) set to its special music. The songs are based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics of Ramayana and Mahabharatha. Kathakali has its colorful costumes and make ups which are very time consuming, elaborate and depending on the characters the artists play. Kathakali means story told in dance recital form.

CHAKYAR KOOTHU

Chakyar Koothu as the name hints is performed by Chakyars. Koothu means dance which shows the importance of dance in this art. The enacting is with appropriate facial expressions and hand/body gestures. During the performances the Chakyars have immunity to cut jokes or tease on anyone among the audience however mighty they might be. The dress for Chakyar Koothu consists of cloths with gilt border and a red cap and ornaments for neck, ears and hands. The accompanying instrument is the peculiar drum called the Mizhavu.

Thullal also called as Ottan thullal

Thullal (literal meaning is jumping dance) is a simple form of art. The art is devised by Kunchan Nambiar, recognised as a great poet . Nambiar wrote songs for thullal in Malayalam, based on Ramayanam and mahabharatam and other Puranas with a slant of his time. Thullal is highly humorous and witty with a punch on the evils of the contemporary society. Thullal is a solo dance with the performer himself singing the verses to the accompaniment of drum and small cymbals. Another person/s repeats the singing in the background. The costume is simple but impressive with ornaments made of tender coconut leaves and glass beads. The very first performance of thullal was done by none other than the founder of this art, Kunchan Nambiar himself. Thullal is in 3 different names, the Ottan thullal – fastest in tempo of singing and dance of the three -, and seethangan thullal less fast than Ottan and the Parayan Thullal, the slowest among the three. The costumes and colors of the three differ slightly.

Mohiniyatam

Mohini aatam is the typical dance form of Kerala. Its origin is from ‘Dasiyatam’ a form of temple dance of devadasis. Mohini means beautiful woman and aatam is dance. It portrays the feminine love in its various forms.It has some similarity to Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi and many differences. Mohiniatam was patronized by the well known scholar, poet, singer and composer, the Travancore Raja, Swathi thirunal.

Thiruvathirakali

Thiruvathirakali simplified group dance (choreography) by ladies performed during the festival of Thiruvathira in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). Thiruvathirakali is now performed during all seasons on important functions.

Oppana

Oppana is a dance form performed during wedding and celebrations by ladies and relatives of Muslim brides to the songs of mappilappattu containing teasing references of the bride.

Kolkkali

Kolkali is a very rhythmic dance by Muslim men. The dancers hold short sticks. The sticks are stricken to make noise in rhythmic synchronization of the foot steps to the tune of music. This is a group dance.

Duffmuttu

Duffmuttu is also known as Aravana muttu. It is a group performance popular among the Muslims, staged as a social event during festivals and ceremonies. The artists with a lead singer who sing and others follow it as a chorus and beat on a percussion instrument called Duffu.

Other minor forms of art of Kerala

There are also many other minor forms of art of Kerala. Some of the main among them are the Thayampaka, Melams, Panchavadyam, kolaatam, Kai kotti Kali, kummi etc. However, some of theses are adopted from other states.

Classical Fine Arts of Kerala