kerala classical arts details

kerala classical arts details

1.    Mohiniyattom  :  The dance of Kerala, Mohiniyattom is one of the main classical dances of India. It is believed that Mohiniyattom was developed from Kathakali and Thiruvathira, the traditional art forms of Kerala. The special dressing and romantic movements give a special attraction and uniqueness to Mohiniyattom among other dances. The teaching of Mohiniyattom was started first in Kalamandalam in Thrissur, founded by Vallathol Narayana Menon, one of the great poets of Kerala.

   2.    Ottanthullal   :  A poetic dance form of Kerala, Ottanthullal is a one man show. The dancer tells the story by singing, while acting rhythmically in a dancing style. Kunchan Nambyar, one of the great poets of Kerala was the founder of Thullal. Based on the song and dressing Thullal is divided into three categories : Parayanthullal, Seethanganthullal and Ottanthullal. Ottanthullal was developed from some folk arts of eastern Kerala, such as Kolamthullal, Padayani Kavadithullal. Describing various events taking place in a village in a funny manner through singing and acting is the pecularity of Ottanthullal.

   3.    Chakkiyarkoothu  :  Chakkiyarkoothu is an art form staged traditionally in the premises of temples by people belonging to the Chakyar caste of Kerala. The word Koothu means acting. Dialogue representation is important in Chakkiyarkoothu. The story is taken from Puranas and Epics. Chakyar also criticizes the current social problems in a mocking style. Koothu is performed behind a lightened nilavillakku, after a special dancing called 'chari'. Reasonable joking is the main attraction of Chakkiyarkoothu. Koothu performed by the ladies of the chakiyar family is called Nangyarkoothu.

   4.    Krishnattam   :  The story of Lord Krishna from birth until rising to eternity is staged as Krishnattam. Manavedhen, a member of Samoothiri's royal family in Kozhikode and the author of Krishnageethi, derived Krishnattam as a beautiful art form. Sree Krishna's life is described through songs and acting in a continuous period of 8 days. It is the first dance drama of Kerala.

   5.    Koodiyattom  :   Koodiyattom is said to be the oldest art form in Kerala. It was the King Kulashekara Varma and his friend 'Tholan' developed this art form  after 1000 years of its origin.Acting is more important than singing or dancing in Koodiyattom. Nowadays, Koodiyattom is performed as an entertaining programme in Foreign countries also.

   6.  Kathakali  :  Kathakali is the most important visual art of Kerala. It is known as the 'King of Arts'. The origin of Kathakali is believed to have been during 1930-40 A.D. According to the characters of the actors of the different kinds of dressings are seen in Kathakali- Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Kari, Minukku.