Kathakali | Classical Dance Form of Kerala

Kathakali, an ancient classical Indian dance form, remains a vibrant theatre tradition, particularly practiced by Malayali people in the southwestern state of Kerala. Recognized for its intricate make-up and costumes, this “story game” genre showcases the artistry of male actor-dancers. In this article, we will explore the history, salient features, costumes, instruments, and exponents of Kathakali.

Kathakali

Kathakali

Native to the Malayalam-speaking region, Kathakali is a cherished cultural heritage, representing one of the oldest surviving theatrical arts in India.

The Prime Minister conveyed his sorrow at the passing of the renowned Kathakali dancer, Ms. Milena Salvini. Ms. Salvini will be fondly remembered for her dedication to Indian culture and invaluable contributions to the promotion of Kathakali dance throughout France. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019 for her significant contributions towards the enrichment and promotion of Kathakali.

Overview on Kathakali

Aspect	Description
Origin	Kerala, India. Kathakali is a dance-drama form that originated in the 17th century.
Meaning	The word “Kathakali” translates to “Story-Play” in Malayalam, the local language of Kerala.
Themes	Primarily based on Hindu mythology, especially the epics Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas.
Costumes	Elaborate and colorful with heavy makeup, unique headgear, and bright costumes. They signify the nature of the characters being portrayed (godly, demonic, etc.).
Music	Accompanied by traditional music known as Sopanam, using instruments like chenda, maddalam, and edakka.
Performance	Involves intricate gestures (Mudras), facial expressions (Rasa), and body movements to narrate stories.
Training	Requires years of rigorous training focusing on body movements, expressions, vocal music, and instrumental music.
Significance	A form of worship and a medium to preserve and promote cultural traditions and storytelling.

History and Evolution of Kathakali

• Basic components and distinct features of this form of classical dance can be traced back to the ancient Sanskrit Hindu text ‘Natya Shastra’. Kathakali also derives its textual sanction from Balarama Bharatam and Hastalakshana Deepika.

• Dance-drama art forms called ‘Krishnanattam’ and ‘Ramanattam’ based on the Mahabharata and Ramayana are precursors of ‘Kathakali’.

• Kottarakkara Thampuran, the Raja of Kottarakkara created a new form of temple art based on ‘Krishnanattam’ and called it ‘Ramanattam’. It is widely considered that ‘Ramanattam’ was the genesis of ‘Kathakali’.

• Natalia Lidova notes that ‘Natya Shastra’ explores various theories of Indian classical dances, including Tandava dance, standing postures, basic steps, bhava, rasa, acting methods, and gestures.

• The name ‘Kathakali’ is derived from ‘Katha’ (a traditional tale or story) and ‘Kali’ (derived from ‘Kala,’ meaning art and performance).

• The present-day ‘Kathakali’ includes women in the troupe, unlike the traditional one which was an all-men ensemble.

Salient Features of Kathakali

Kathakali is a blend of dance, music and acting and dramatizes stories, which are mostly adapted from the Indian epics.

• The dance form combines four aspects of abhinaya – Angika, Aharya,Vachika, Satvikaand the Nritta, Nritya and Natya are combined perfectly.

• The dancer expresses himself through codified hastamudras and facial expressions, closely following the verses (padams) that are sung.

• The body movement and choreography of this dance draws inspiration from various martial arts of Kerala.

• Kathakali dance is primarily interpretative and male-dominated performance.

• The eternal fight between good and evil is depicted in the majority of Kathakali recitals. It takes its motifs from stories told in epics and Puranas. The ‘ballad of the east’ is another name for it.

• Manipravalam, a blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit, is the language used in Kathakali songs.

• The crown jewel of the entire dance drama is perhaps the gestures and is known for its depiction of the rasas through eyebrow motions.

• The ‘Navarasas,’ or nine important facial expressions, are taught to indicate various emotions. There are also a lot of hand movements.

• Kathakali is usually performed in open-air theatres on coarse mats or on temple grounds with Kerala’s lush green trees as a backdrop. Lighting is provided by a brass lamp.

• Today, Kathakali music uses Carnatic ragas, specifically the raga and tala, which follow the bhava, rasa, and dancing patterns (Nritta & Natya).

• The Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila, Ilathalam, Idakka, & Shankhu make up the orchestra, which is also employed in other traditional Kerala performing arts.

Kathakali Dance Repertoire

Attakatha Structure

• ‘Kathakali’ is based on the narrative structure of ‘Attakatha,’ translating to the story of dance. These ‘Attakatha’ plays have historical roots in Hindu epics such as ‘Bhagavata Purans,’ ‘Mahabharata,’ & ‘Ramayana.’

• The format of ‘Attakatha’ facilitates the delineation of dialogue portions (Pada) and action portions (Shloka). In this structure, actions are vividly portrayed through choreography, offering a unique blend of storytelling through both spoken words and physical movements.

Performance Format

• In a Kathakali presentation, there is participation from actor-dancers, vocalists, and musicians.

• Usually commencing in the evening and extending into the early morning, the performance includes breaks and interludes, occasionally spanning multiple nights.

Kathakali Dance Costumes

• ‘Kathakali’ incorporates intricate makeup, costumes, face masks, headgear, and brightly painted faces.

• The lips, the eyelashes and the eyebrows are made to look prominent. A mixture of rice paste and lime is applied to make the chuttion the face which highlights the facial make-up.

• Makeup code categorizes characters into gods, goddesses, saints, animals, demons, etc., reflecting the ‘Guna’ theory of personalities.

• Seven fundamental makeup codes include ‘Pacca’ (green), ‘Minukku,’ ‘Teppu,’ ‘Kari’ (black), ‘Tati,’ ‘Payuppu’ (ripe), & ‘Katti’ (knife).

Kathakali Music and Instruments

Music plays a major role in this art form creating tone variations corresponding to the mood of a particular scene.

• In a Kathakali performance, various instruments are used, including three drums known as ‘Itaykka,’ ‘Centa,’ and ‘Maddalam.’

• The music follows the Sopana Sangeetham tradition. Sopana Sangeetham is the singing of the Ashtapadis on the flight of steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum.

• Diverse musical arrangement are employed in Kathakali, including ‘Cempata’ for combat sequences, ‘Atanta’ for divine characters, ‘Muri Atanta’ for heroic deeds, ‘Triputa’ for scenes involving teachers and sages, ‘Pancari’ for disagreeable scenarios, and ‘Campa’ for confrontations and debates.

Famous Exponents of Kathakali

• Kavungal Chathunni Panicker, a seasoned artist from the esteemed Kavungal family, boasts a heritage spanning six generations in the realm of ‘Kathakali.’

• Kalamandalam Gopi, a distinguished representative of the Kalluvazhi School, holds over 30 years of experience in the field.

• Kottakkal Sivaraman is renowned for his portrayal of feminine characters and his adept expression of various ‘nayika bhavas.’

• Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair is acknowledged for his depiction of antagonistic characters such as Ravana and Duryodhana, in addition to his portrayal of Lord Hanuman.

FAQs on Kathakali

What is Kathakali?

Kathakali is a classical Indian dance form originating in Kerala, blending dance, music, and acting to dramatize stories, often from Indian epics.

Who are some famous Kathakali exponents?

Renowned Kathakali performers include Kavungal Chathunni Panicker, Kalamandalam Gopi, Kottakkal Sivaraman, and Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair.

Who is considered to be the father of Kathakali?

Kottarakkara Thampuran, the Raja of Kottakkara, one of the earliest exponents of this art form is considered to be the founder and the father of this dance form.

Mention any recent news related to Kathakali dance.

The Prime Minister conveyed his sorrow at the passing of the renowned Kathakali dancer, Ms. Milena Salvini. Ms. Salvini will be fondly remembered for her dedication to Indian culture and invaluable contributions to the promotion of Kathakali dance throughout France. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019 for her significant contributions towards the enrichment and promotion of Kathakali.

What is Kathakali known for?

Kathakali dance combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up into a divine experience for all who get to view it.