Classic art forms
Vismaya c p
Kerala is well known for its cultural and traditional art forms. The different communities contribute diverse art forms. This unique art form reflects the culture and heritage of Kerala the main theme of this art form are usually religious and they are performed mainly during festivals and social gatherings. In Kerala, art forms belong to 3 categories they are classical art forms, folk art forms and martial art forms. The major classical art forms includes.
- Kathakali
- Koodiyattam
- Nangyarkoothu
- Chakyar koothu
- Ottam thullal
Kathakali is the Spectacular classical dance form in Kerala. it has an elaborate costume, makeup, ornaments and accessories. kathakali combines dance music and drama.
The story is presented in the form of songs and the characters of kathakali do not speak. chenda chengila,ilathalam and maddalam are the different instruments used during the performance. The beautiful costume and facial make-up are the main highlights of Kathakali. Natural colours are used for makeup. intense training is required for performing kathakali. the stories of kathakali are usually taken from Indian epics and Hindu mythology.
Koodiyattam
Koodiyattam is an ancient theatrical art form of Kerala. It is usually performed in theatres in temples called koothambalam. Koodiyattam is mainly performed by members of the chakyar and Nambiar castes.
Literally, the word koodiyattam means “Acting together”.it is the combination of 4 types of acting that is Aangikam, Vaachikam, Sathvikam and Aaharyam. Aangikam is the expression using body parts, vaachikam is the expression through speech, Saathvikam is the expression using physical movements and emotions and aaharyam is the expression using costumes and props. A typical Koodiyattam performance involves complex and long-acting sequences using hand gestures and distinctive modes of acting like Ilakiyaattom, Pakarnnaatttom and Irunnaattom.
Nangyarkoothu
Nagyarkoothu is a popular temple art form in Kerala. It is evolved from koodiyattam and is usually performed by females from Nambiar families. The story of lord Krishna is often presented and it takes 12 days to complete a story. Mizhav is the instrument used in background during performance. The story is expressed through gestures and actions there is no dialogue.
Chakyarkoothu
Koothu is a temple art form in which Hindu epic stories are orally presented by using actions and gestures. this is presented only by the members of chakyar community. Hence it is called chakyar koothu. chakyarkoothu was performed by a single performer and performed at theatres called koothambalam. Make-up is usually done using rice powder and turmeric powder. mizhav is the instrument played in the background.
Chakyarkoothu is satire, In olden days chakyar humorously criticize the social issues prevailing during that time.
Ottam thullal
Ottam thullal is the dance art form of kerala. It was introduced by Kuchan Nambiar in the eighteenth century. it humorously criticizes the social issues of society. Mridangam,ilathalam, and iddaka are the instruments used for the performance. it is usually performed by a single performer. Beautiful costumes, makeups ornaments etc are used
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- Kathakali
- Koodiyattam
- Nangyarkoothu
- Chakyar koothu
- Ottam thullal
Chenda Chengila,ilathalam and Maddalam are the different instruments used during the performance
.It is the combination of 4 types of acting that is Aangikam, Vaachikam, Sathvikam and Aaharyam. Aangikam is the expression using body parts, vaachikam is the expression through speech, Saathvikam is the expression using physical movements and emotions and aaharyam is the expression using costumes and props