Kathakali & Mohiniyattam (Kerala)

Key Pointers

Kathakali ('story-play'):
- Kerala; a 17th-century dance-drama evolved from Krishnattam (Manaveda of Calicut) and Ramanattam, drawing on Kootiyattam, Theyyam and the martial art Kalaripayattu.
- Themes: Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas; stories (Aattakatha) are performed overnight, usually by male actors.
- Elaborate makeup: Pacha (green: noble heroes), Kathi (knife: arrogant villains), Thadi (red beard: evil; white beard: Hanuman; black beard: hunters), Kari (black: demonesses/forest dwellers), Minukku (radiant: women and sages).
- Mudras (hand gestures) from Hastalakshana Deepika; strong facial expressions (navarasas) and eye movements.
- Music/instruments: Sopana Sangeetham, Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila (gong), Elathalam (cymbals).
- Vallathol Narayana Menon revived it and founded Kerala Kalamandalam (1930).
Mohiniyattam ('dance of the enchantress'):
- Kerala; solo female dance in the lasya style, inspired by Vishnu's Mohini avatar.
- Slow, swaying, gliding movements with minimal footwork; hasta mudras from Hastalakshana Deepika (about 24 mudras).
- Costume: White or off-white sari with gold (kasavu) border; hair bun on the side decorated with jasmine.
- Music: Carnatic style; Maddalam, Edakka, flute, veena; songs in Manipravalam (Malayalam–Sanskrit).
- Patronage: Swathi Thirunal (Travancore); revived by Vallathol.
- Exponents: Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, Bharati Shivaji, Sunanda Nair, Kanak Rele (Nalanda).

MCQs

Q1. In Kathakali make-up, 'Pacha' (green) represents:

(a) Villains

(b) Noble and virtuous characters

(c) Women and sages

(d) Demonesses
Answer: (b).

Q2. The institution founded by Vallathol Narayana Menon to promote Kathakali is:
(a) Kalakshetra
(b) Kerala Kalamandalam
(c) Natana Kairali
(d) Nalanda Dance Research Centre
Answer: (b).

Q3. Mohiniyattam is traditionally performed by:
(a) Male dancers only
(b) Female solo dancers
(c) Both men and women in groups
(d) Children only
Answer: (b).