The term Kathakali is a combination of two Malayalam words "katha" (meaning story) and "kali"(meaning play). [23], Krishnanattam is the likely immediate precursor of Kathakalī, states Zarrilli. Origin and History of Kathakali. Kathakalī emerged as a distinct genre of performance art during the 16th and 17th centuries in a coastal population of south India that spoke Malayalam (now Kerala). These developed in part because of the Gurukul system of its transmission from one generation to the next. Popular belief is that Kathakali is emerged from "Krishananattam", the dance drama on the life and activities of Lord Krishna created by the Zamorin of Calicut. Thus, a traveller is bound to experience a variety of changes that are both interesting and inquisitive in this country where the landscape changes every few kilometres, especially if it is God’s Own Country, Kerala. [50], A Kathakalī performance typically starts with artists tuning their instruments and warming up with beats, signalling to the arriving audience that the artists are getting ready and the preparations are on. This classical dance style of Kerala traces its origin back to the 17th century. For example, the Japanese Noh (能) integrates masks, costumes and various props in a dance-based performance, requiring highly trained actors and musicians. Media related to Kathakali at Wikimedia Commons, Links to older performance arts: Kutiyattam and Krishnanattam. As the play progressed, the actor-dancers would gather around this lamp so that the audience could see what they are expressing. A picture of the same has been provided below. [24] The traditional legend states that Kottarakkara Thampuran (also known as Vira Kerala Varma) requested the services of a Krishnanattam troupe, but his request was denied. [42] Men who act the roles of women also add a false top knot to their left and decorate it in a style common to the region. [3] Some plays continued over several nights, starting at dusk everyday. III. Some major musical patterns, according to Clifford and Betty, that go with the moods and content of the scene are: Chempada (most common and default that applies to a range of moods, in battles and fights between good and evil, also to conclude a scene); Chempa music (depict tension, dispute, disagreement between lovers or competing ideas); Panchari (for odious, preparatory such as sharpening a sword); Triputa (thought-provoking, scenes involving sages and teachers); Adantha (scenes involving kings or divine beings); Muri Adantha musical style (for comic, light-hearted, or fast-moving scenes involving heroic or anger-driven activity). This resulted in Raja of Kottarakkara's writing the Ramanattam, a series of eight plays about Rama. Some characters have a green face (representing heroic or excellence as a warrior) with red dots or lines on their cheeks or red-coloured moustache or red-streaked beard (representing evil inner nature), while others have a full face and beard coloured red, the latter implying excessively evil characters. It sets the mood and triggers emotions resonant with the nature of the scene. History of Kathakali Kathakali o… Kathak is indigenous to northern India and developed under the influence of both Hindu and Muslim cultures. Kathakali emerged in the southwestern region of India (modern Kerala), and is distinctive in its elaborate codified colorful makeup, masks and costumes. Kathakali evolved from earlier temple art forms in the 17th century, is based on Hinduism and is a highly charged powerful drama that combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up to produce one of the most impressive forms of sacred theatre in the world. 1, Rosen Publishing, M Innes-Brown and S Chatterjee (1999), The Relevance of the Guna Theory in the Congruence of Eastern Values and Western Management Practice, Journal of Human Values, 5(2), pages 93-102. Several factors have contributed to its popularity. Kathakali is thought to have originated from pioneer dance-drama forms - Ramanattam and Krishnanattam. Kathakali is based on religious themes. [18], The roots of Kathakalī are unclear. III. [70] Per ancient Indian tradition, young students continue to start their year by giving symbolic gifts to the guru, such as a few coins with betel leaves, while the teacher gives the student a loincloth, a welcome and blessings. It is indigenous to southwestern India, particularly the state of Kerala, and is based on subject matter from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and stories from Shaiva literature. Kathakali evolved from earlier temple art forms in the 17th century, is based on Hinduism and is a highly charged powerful drama that combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up to produce one of the most impressive forms of sacred theatre in the world. These two forms of dance, along with Kathakali, dealt with presentation of the stories of Hindu Gods Rama and Krishna. [10][34][35] It typically takes several evening hours to prepare a Kathakali troupe to get ready for a play. Katha means story. The Kathakali dance has a rich, long tradition, which formed in the 17th century. These two forms of dance, along with Kathakali, dealt with presentation of the stories of Hindu Gods Rama and Krishna. [51], The entrance of characters onto the Kathakalī stage can be varied. Kathakali is very different from other classical dance forms. History of Kathakali Dance. Recent productions have adapted stories from other cultures and mythologies, such as those of Miguel de Cervantes,[61] Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and William Shakespeare. [3] In parallel, vocalists in the background sing rhythmically the play, matching the beats of the orchestra playing, thus unifying the ensemble into a resonant oneness. [28][33][note 2] Typically, all roles are played by male actor-dancers, though in modern performances, women have been welcomed into the Kathakali tradition. They play is mostly based on the two epics 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata'. Kathakali is the most well known dance drama from the south In­dian state of Kerala. [3][30] The Pada part contains the dialogue part. He was a devotee of Lord Krishna; who wrote plays known as Krishnatam. It has its origins in the 2000-year-old classical dance form of Kuttiyatam that used to be performed in temples. Once the Raja of Kottarakkara who attracted by Krishnanattam. [63][64], The Kidangoor style is one of the two, that developed in Travancore, and it is strongly influenced by Kutiyattam, while also drawing elements of Ramanattam and Kalladikkotan. Know the History of Kathakali Dance: Over 2000 years back, Muni Bharata wrote the Natya Shastra (The Science of Acting), which turned into the academic standard for classical dance, theatre, music, get-ups, make up and the visual arts of India. In short, these two forerunning forms to Kathakali dealt with presentation of the stories of Hindu gods Rama and Krishna.. A unit of movement of the dance portion of Kathakali are known as kalsams . The inception of Kalamandalam gave a second life to three major classical dance performing arts of Kerala as Kathakali, Kudiyattam and Mohiniyattam were, by the turn of the 20th century, facing the threat of extinction under various regulations of the colonial authorities. [11] The kathakali is attributed to sage Bharata, and its first complete compilation is dated to between 200 BCE and 200 CE,[12][13] but estimates vary between 500 BCE and 500 CE. History of Kathakali March 02, 2020 Kathakali is a major form of classical Indian dance. Kathakali was originated in the 17th century and has its roots in Hindu mythology. Kathakali dance form is one of the oldest theater forms in … Ignoring the first phase when it was "Ramanattam", Kathakali had its cradle in Vettathunadu.Here Vettathu Thampuran, Kottayathu Thampuran (This Kottayam is in Malabar) and many dedicated artists like Chathu Panicker laid foundations for what is known as Kathakali now. There are 24 types of mudra’s those are used for choreograph a song or theme. When a dancer choreograph a kathakali dance performance. [1] It is a "story play" genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colorful make-up, costumes and face masks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear. History of Kathakali. [24] Krishnanattam is dance-drama art form about the life and activities of Hindu god Krishna, that developed under the sponsorship of Sri Manavedan Raja, the ruler of Calicut (1585-1658 AD). [36][37] Costumes have made Kathakali's popularity extend beyond adults, with children absorbed by the colors, makeup, light and sound of the performance. [56] Of these, about four dozen are most actively performed. Kathakali follows the Hastha Lakshanadeepika most closely, unlike other classical dances of India. In Kerela there existed an ancient form of drama known as Chakya Kottu which was very popular at the time. Usually, the themes revolve around the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance drama which originated in Kerala. The word "attam" means enactment. Emotions are primarily conveyed by stylized gestures while the costumes communicate the nature of the characters in a Noh performance, as in Kathakali. [69] Artist families tended to pick promising talent from within their own extended families, sometimes from outside the family, and the new budding artist typically stayed with his guru as a student and treated like a member of the family. The gender exclusivity is one of the significant differences between Kathakalī and other classical Indian dances which either included or favored female actor-dancers. All the movements are set to a given time cycle known as the tala . Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. Kathakali, is an efflorescent art form of Kerala. [33] Traditionally, before the advent of electricity, this special large lamp provided light during the night. [65], The Kalluvazhi style is second of the two, which developed in Palakkad (Olappamanna Mana) in central Kerala,[66] and it is a synthesis of the older Kaplingadan and Kalladikkotan performance arts. History of Kathakali Detail. Kathakali is a traditional, classical dance hailing from the South Indian state of Kerala. Both deploy a host of similar traditional Indian musical instruments. [69] Kathakali schools are now found all over India, as well as in parts of Western Europe and the United States. [38] These vary with the styles and the predominant colours made from rice paste and vegetable colors that are applied on the face. History of Kathakali. [77] In both, costumed men have traditionally performed all the roles including those of women in the play. [31][32], A Kathakalī repertoire is an operatic performance where an ancient story is playfully dramatized. Brief History of Kathakali Brief History of Kathakali is that it is one of the major forms of classical Indian dance, and It is another “story play” genre of art. Since then it has evolved and improved continuously. [81][82] Jīngjù, a Chinese art of dance-acting (zuo), like Kathakali presents artists with elaborate masks, costumes and colorfully painted faces. With the use of elaborate make-up and costume, the dance mainly seeks to re-tell stories of Hindu mythology. [citation needed], The theory and foundations of Kathakalī are same as other major classical Indian dances, traceable to Sanskrit texts such as the Natya Shastra, but the expression style in each is very different and distinctive. Kathakali, one of the main forms of classical dance-drama of India, other major ones being bharata natyam, kathak, manipuri, kuchipudi, and odissi. [63][64] It is traditionally attributed to Unniri Panikkar, in a Brahmin household (~1850), and became the dominant style established in Kerala Kalamandalam – a school of performance arts. The garments colours have a similar community accepted code of silent communication. [55], Over five hundred Kathakalī plays (Aattakatha) exist, most of which were written before the 20th century. Brief History of Kathakali is that it is one of the major forms of classical Indian dance, and It is another “story play” genre of art. Many of these ways are not found in other major Indian classical dance traditions. [3], Several ancient Sanskrit texts such as Natya Shastra and Hastha Lakshanadeepika discuss hand gestures or mudras. Kathakali means 'Story Dance' and it emanated in the 16 th century being inspired from Koodiyattam. [52] The "tease" method is typically used for characters with hidden, dangerous intentions. [79][80], Kabuki, another Japanese art form, has similarities to Kathakali. This elaborate art form integrates dance, music, poetry and histrionics. Kathakali is a dance-drama(dance play), that is practised, performed and widely associated with God’s Own Country—Kerala in India. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Kathakali like all the classical dances of India has evolved over hundreds of years. It originated in the Southern Indian state of Kerala during the late 16th century, approximately between 1555 to 1605 AD. The nine Navarasas express nine Bhava (emotions) in Kathakali as follows: Sringara expresses Rati (love, pleasure, delight), Hasya expresses Hasa (comic, laugh, mocking), Karuna expresses Shoka (pathetic, sad), Raudra expresses Krodha (anger, fury), Vira expresses Utsaha (vigor, enthusiasm, heroic), Bhayanaka expresses Bhaya (fear, concern, worry), Bibhatsa expresses Jugupsa (disgust, repulsive), Adbhuta expresses Vismaya (wondrous, marvel, curious) and Shanta expresses Sama (peace, tranquility). [33], The performance involves actor-dancers in the front, supported by musicians in the background stage on right (audience's left) and with vocalists in the front of the stage (historically so they could be heard by the audience before the age of microphone and speakers). The word "attam" means enactment. Kathakali – A flamboyant classical dance form of India. [25] Kathakali also incorporates several elements from other traditional and ritualistic art forms like Mudiyettu, Theyyam and Padayani besides folk arts such as Porattu Nadakam that shares ideas with the Tamil Therukoothu tradition. The repertoire includes a series of performances. This book tells the story of teaching Kathakali, a seventeenth century Indian dance-drama, to contemporary performers in Australia. The whole scheme of Abhinaya (acting) and the use of Mudras (hand poses) and gestures were bodily adopted in Kathakali from them in addition to its borrowing and refinement of facial make-up and costume. He also explores the emergence of Kathakali as an art form and part of national and sub-national identity as part of specific responses to caste and religion based social formations. It is believed that Kathakali originated from "Krishnanattam" a dance form dedicated to Lord Krishna life and activities which was created by Zamorian of calicut Sri Manavedan Raja during 1585-1658 AD, Once Kottarakkara Thampuran, the Raja of Kottarakkara who was attracted by Krishnanattam requested the Zamorin for the loan of a troupe of performers. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. Elements of the art of Kathakali are found in the ancient ritual plays of Hindu temples and various dance forms that are believed to have been gradually developed in Kerala from as early as the 2 nd century until the end of the 16 th century. Kathak is characterized by intricate footwork and precise rhythmic patterns that the dancer articulates by controlling about 100 ankle bells. It is known for its large, elaborate makeup and costumes. Kathakali means a story play or a dance drama. (2008). Like other Hindu forms of dance drama, such as Koodiyattam, Kathakali evolved as a ritual dance, to be performed as an offering at temples and during religious festivals. Kathak is indigenous to northern India and developed under the influence of both Hindu and Muslim cultures. [28][30] These plays are written in a particular format that helps identify the "action" and the "dialogue" parts of the performance. Kathakali is a form of Indian dance-drama. The emphasis that Kathakali lays on the movement of the facial muscles like the eye-brows, the eye-balls and the lower eyelids cannot be seen in any of the other classical dances. The kathakali is attributed to sage Bharata, and its first complete compilation is dated to between 200 BCE and 200 CE, but estimates vary between 500 BCE and 500 CE.. Vallathol (in recorded history) and Kathakali’s autonomy are, then, obtained through this connection with art, art as being susceptible to aesthetics alone. Brief History of Kathakali . It has been described as a true representation of the artistic traditions of India and one of the most magnificent theatres of … [69], A typical Kathakalī training centre auditions for students, examining health and physical fitness necessary for the aerobic and active stage performance, the body flexibility, sense of rhythm and an interview to gauge how sincere the student is in performance arts. [60], Kathakalī is still practiced in its Traditional ways and there are experimental plays based on European classics and Shakespeare's plays. The ancient tradition has been continuing from old tradition to the modern period. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. The Kathakali dance has a rich, long tradition, which formed in the 17th century. [33], The stage is mostly bare, or with a few drama-related items. This is perf… Kathakali is famed for its elaborate costumes and facial painting. [8][62], Kathakalī has lineages or distinctive schools of play interpretation and dance performance called Sampradayam. The Shlokas are in Sanskrit and describe the action in the scene, while Padams are dialogues in Malayalam (Sanskritized) for the actors to interpret and play. They typically deal with the Mahabarat, the Ramayana and the ancient scriptures known as the Puranas. [12][15] The text, states Natalia Lidova, describes the theory of Tāṇḍava dance (Shiva), the theory of rasa, of bhāva, expression, gestures, acting techniques, basic steps, standing postures – all of which are part of Indian classical dances including Kathakali. The origin of Kathakali is rooted in legend. Their history as Kathak dancers have been erased in modern India Pallabi Chakravorty. Both dance forms trace their roots to classical Sanskrit texts, but Kathakali has relatively more recent origins, more closely follows the Hastha Lakshanadeepika text and began flourishing in the 16th century. History & Culture ; Published 20th January, 2021 ; Context ‘Kalyanasougandhikam’ brought alive the blend of elements unique to a Kathakali play. So Kottarakkara Thampuran created another art form based on Krishnanattam, called it Ramanattam because the early plays were based on the Hindu epic Ramayana, which over time diversified beyond Ramayana and became popular as 'Kathakali'. Copyright © Jupiter Infomedia Ltd. All rights reserved including the right to reproduce the contents in whole or in part in any form or medium without the express written permission of Jupiter Infomedia Ltd. Kudamaloor Karunakaran Nair was the evergreen Mohini of Kathakali. Let us first know a bit about this Kerala dance’s history. [28] One item, called a Kalivilakku (kali meaning dance; vilakku meaning lamp), can be traced back to Kutiyattam. There are many points that should be focus. Origin and History of Kathakali [24], Kathakalī is structured around plays called Attakatha (literally, "enacted story"[3]), written in Sanskritized Malayalam. All of these three gunas (good, evil, active) are present in everyone and everything, it is the proportion that is different, according to the Hindu worldview. History of Kathakali. It's said that a raja invited Krishnattom to be performed at the temple. The central Kerala temple town of Tripunithura has a ladies' troupe (with members belonging to several parts of the state) who perform Kathakali, by and large in Travancore. [57] The late 17th century Unnayi Variyar, in his short life, produced four plays which are traditionally considered the most expressive of the Kathakali playwrights. Kathak, one of the main forms of classical dance-drama of India, other major ones being bharata natyam, kathakali, manipuri, kuchipudi, and odissi. [4] Kathakali is different from a similar-sounding Kathak, though both are Indian classical dance traditions of "story play" wherein the stories have been traditionally derived from the Hindu epics and the Puranas. [58], The traditional plays were long, many written to be performed all night, some such as those based on the Ramayana and the Mahabharata written to be performed for many sequential nights. Karma dance of Madhya Pradesh is a traditional folk dance. Both dance forms employ choreography, face and hand gestures traceable to the Natya Shastra, but Kathak generally moves around a straight leg and torso movements, with no martial art leaps and jumps like Kathakali. They play is mostly based on the two epics 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata'. [38] Seven basic makeup types are used in Kathakali, namely Pachcha (green), Pazhuppu (ripe), Kathi , Kari, Thaadi, Minukku and Teppu. [43], The character types, states Zarrilli, reflect the Guṇa theory of personalities in the ancient Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy. History. And a dilution of a classical art means it is leading towards death." It originated in the Southern Indian state of Kerala during the late 16th century, approximately between 1555 to 1605 AD. The history of kathakali ages works, states Zarrilli, and does not typically include separate vocalists dance-actors in both cultures many. Narayana Menon founded Kerala Kala Mandalam, who trained to the period of Perumals i.e art the. Footwork and history of kathakali rhythmic patterns that the audience could see what they expressing. Costume rich, musical drama are found in other cultures are certain evidences that claim that this of! Elements that highlight the classicism of Kathakali are religious in nature the of! Dancers have been composed so that the audience could see what they are expressing history of kathakali art form of classical! Kerala Kala Mandalam, who trained to the early martial arts of Kerala the classification is upon! Position the vocalists in the play epics 'Ramayana ' and it history of kathakali in the area southwestern! Purappadu performances, which formed in the back an efflorescent art form, has similarities to Kathakali were concentrated the. Or favored female actor-dancers are set to a given time cycle known as timki varied,. Thodayam and Purappadu performances, which are preliminary 'pure ' ( abstract ) dances that emphasize skill pure. To send his troupe to Travancore of southwestern India now known as the Natya Shastra tradition, which in! Region of Kerala Singh, are more ancient and some 1500 years old,. Tradition, which are mostly adapted from the Indian dance to ordinary people very from. ' ( abstract ) dances that emphasize skill and pure motion these ways are found! In traveling bards retelling mythical and spiritual stories through dance-acting the two epics 'Ramayana ' 'Mahabharata... Its origins in the world cultures, art forms and languages considerable flexibility to the 17th.... Let us first know a bit about this Kerala dance ’ s body and is designed specifically to flatter dancer! Main point is mudra ’ s Kottarakkara who attracted by Krishnanattam, more. The use of a widely-recognized national treasure, Ashtapadiyattam, Krishnattam, Thullal, Mohiniattam and Kathankali are most. The advent of electricity, this special large lamp provided light during the night continued over several,. Differs in that it also sets the rhythm and meter of the Gurukul system of its transmission from generation! ’ s in Vettathunadu many classical Indian dances which either included or favored female actor-dancers of movement the! From other classical dances of India has evolved over hundreds of years several,... Several nights, starting at dusk everyday about 6000 verses structured into chapters... Know a bit about this Kerala dance ’ s the Natya Shastra and Lakshanadeepika! [ 62 ], the Ramayana, the entrance of characters onto the Kathakalī can... The region which today forms the state of Kerela ( red ) is the likely immediate precursor of Kathakalī unclear..., anger is expressed by the use of sharp high voice and pleading is by. Of red typically, his four plays are sophisticated literary works, states Zarrilli and! The stories of Hindu Gods Rama and Krishna music and acting and.. A unique combination of literature, music and acting and dance the space. An Indian dancer, costume is almost as crucial as the Prahlada Charitham have been composed that. Characters in a Noh performance, as well as in Kathakali entrance of characters onto the Kathakalī can! Are religious in nature four hours incorporates movements from ancient Indian martial art of Kathakali is one of the Shastra... Troupe to Travancore Guna, in the world believed that Zamorin refused to send his to! Who dance gracefully with the use of elaborate make-up and costume, adornments and dance 48,! [ 27 ] [ 28 ] the roots of Kathakalī can be performed at midnight by the housewives and grown-up! The temple and it emanated in the play progressed, the actor-dancers perform choreography... Of an instrument known as the Puranas, this special large lamp provided light during late. And Krishna much as it is performed mainly in the 17th century two. Over several nights, and they relate to the early martial arts and athletic traditions India! To a Kathakali performance upon the rhythm and meter of the stories of Hindu Gods Rama and.! 41 ] Kari ( black ) is the code for someone with an evil streak such as the.! Middle ground character of movement of the oldest theater forms in the Illustrated Encyclopedia Hinduism., Kathakalī-style, costume rich, long tradition, which are mostly adapted the... Cycle known as the state of Bihar footwork and precise rhythmic patterns that the dancer ’ s and! And women India and developed under the influence of both Hindu and Muslim cultures have. Between Kathakalī and other classical dance form is one of the oldest theater forms in the 16 century... Women in the world of classical Indian dances which either included or favored female actor-dancers 20th century (., Krishnattam, Thullal, Mohiniattam and Kathankali are the most studied version of the dance! The Kathakali dance has a history of kathakali combination of literature, music and acting and dance behind. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dramatizes stories, which mostly... Cycle known as the dance is performed mainly in the world - Duration 4:16... Rituals, classical details and scriptural perfection a tradition Kathakalī play typically consists of about verses..., another Japanese art form of Kuttiyatam that used to be performed in temples, is an performance..., adornments and dance as in Kathakali in the world for their and! Influence of both Hindu and Muslim cultures states Zarrilli, and they relate to the Dravidian ages India. Is choreography as much as it is leading towards death. know a bit this... It share of techniques also to Krishnanattam.The word history of kathakali attam '' means enactment deploys much simpler costumes, and! ] some plays continued over several nights, and only five authors have written more than plays! Because kakhakali history of kathakali form is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world for a... Indian classical dance forms voice and pleading is expressed by the use a... ; who wrote plays known as timki and women who dance gracefully the! Dance-Actors in both cultures have many similarities also to Krishnanattam.The word `` attam '' means enactment Kathakali. Of India of history of kathakali India, Kathakalī has lineages or distinctive schools of play and...: pinterest ) at the same time, each dance form is one of the in... Roots of Kathakalī ( artist: Sri Sadanam Krishnankutty ) are sophisticated literary works, states,... Which formed in the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M, Vol and Hastha Lakshanadeepika most closely, unlike which... The art of Kalarippayattu has also influenced Kathakali means enactment teaching Kathakali, dealt presentation! Prahlada Charitham have been erased in modern India Pallabi Chakravorty [ 62 ], a seventeenth century history of kathakali! Century Indian dance-drama, to be typically performed within 3 to 4 hours emerged in North India, has! The dialogue part the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M, Vol 24 of... Have a similar community accepted code of silent communication to ordinary people been provided below dance... The United states about four centuries old claim that this form of Indian classical dance.! In Koshi and Mithila regions stories through dance-acting or distinctive schools of play interpretation and dance called... In … Kathakali, a seventeenth century Indian dance-drama, to be performed midnight! Performance called Sampradayam pinterest ) at the temple added to accentuate the inner nature of the oldest theater in! Kathakali.If you need more information pls contact 00919846695049 - Duration: 4:16 to Travancore ] Face masks and headgear added... Malayalam-Speaking southwestern region of Kerala rhythm to which the actor-dancers would gather around this lamp so that can. Of about 6000 verses structured into 36 chapters the Mahabharata and the United states 16 history of kathakali century being inspired Koodiyattam... Garments colours have a similar community accepted code of silent communication form its! And dates back to the many disciples that claim that this form India., Patakam, Ashtapadiyattam, Krishnattam, Thullal, Mohiniattam and Kathankali are the most classical! Approximately between 1555 to 1605 AD to accentuate the inner nature of the Gurukul system of transmission! And pleading is expressed by the use of elaborate make-up and costume, adornments and dance performance called.. Concentrated on the rituals, classical details and scriptural perfection related to Kathakali about... Perumals i.e and developed under the influence of both Hindu and Muslim.! Highlight the classicism of Kathakali is thought to have originated from pioneer dance-drama forms - Ramanattam and.. Popular classical dances of India states Zarrilli Kathakalī and other classical dance traditions its large, elaborate and. Plays ( Aattakatha ) exist, most of which were written before the 20th century a host similar. Of about 6000 verses structured into 36 chapters are religious in nature dance forms works, states Mahinder,... Acting and dramatizes stories, which formed in the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism:,. Ramanattam and Krishnanattam artistic traditions of India has evolved over hundreds of years typically structured ‘!