KATHAKALI

ORIGIN :Let us take a peep into the origin of this tastefully colourful art form. As we know the word "KATHAKALI" literally means "STORY-PLAY". And it does narrate a story elaborately , mainly from our epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.If we look into the history , there are no authentic records about the same, a popular belief is that once Kottarakkara Thampuran , the Raja of Kottarakkarahappened to view "KRISHNATTAM" and found it quite appealing. This art was being performed those days under the patronage of ZAMORINS' the rulers of Calicut (Kozhikode -Kerala).When the Thampuran requested for the loan of a troupe of performers ,it was blindly rejected by the latter due to political rivalry.In lieu , the Thampuran created another art form called"RAMANATTAM" which later on developed into "AATTAKATHA" which later on came to be known as KATHAKALI. The multicoloured face mask and the rich flowing costumes can be attributed to the strong rivalry between the two rulers to make the artform undoubtedly spectacular.Krishanttam was writeen in Sanskrit and Rmanattam in Malayalam and Kathakali is written in Manipravalam a combination of both.

MOHINIYATTAM

Dancing style :As we have already read the dancing style is unique , and enchanting. Characteristic body movements , marked by the graceful sway of the torso ..and the rise and fall of the body with emphasis on the torso...gives one the feel of the swaying coconut trees of Kerala.The glances, postures ,and gait employed are so subtle and graceful that they convey the infinite suggestiveness of radiant love.It portrays feminine love in myriad forms :carnal,devotional and maternal with accent more on lasya and bhava.