Kathakali ("story play") is the classical dance drama of Kerala, which dates
from the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology. Kathakali has a unique
combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance.
Kathakali draws heavily from drama and is danced with elaborate masks and
costumes. Kathakali recitals are generally long and while other dance forms are
more emotive than narrative, Kathakali is both. It combines dance with dialogue
to bring myth and legend to life in the temple courtyards of Kerala. The
dancers use their stunning costumes and make-up, with the accompaniment of
drums and vocalists, to create various moods and emotions.
Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, South India, which dates from
the 17th century. Kathakali has a harmonious combination of literature
(Sahithyam), music (Sangeetham), painting (Chithram), acting (Natyam) and dance
(Nritham). All the five forms of art have a very important place in this
combination. Its literature is narrative , poetic and dramatic. Costumes are of
vivid colours, facial makeup is done by the artist himself and a distinct
headgear made of wood is worn during the play. The Aharya (Make-up) has many
faces like Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Minukku etc.
These colours and names denote nature of the characters. The make-up is
complicated, requiring several hours to apply. During the drama the dancers do
not speak, but the hand movements known as 'Mudras' and unique facial
expressions all imbibe to a sign language. All the drama and dance are
accompanied by powerful vocal music. Drummers provide a rhythmic background to
the drama. Kathakali performances usually begin with a musical note called
Thiranottam. The dance extravaganza last all through night to dawn.
There are 24 Basic Mudras (hand gestures) in the "Hasthalakshana Deepika", the
book of hand gestures, which Kathakali follows. There are 'Asamyutha Mudras'
(that is shown using single hand) and 'Samyutha Mudras' (mudras shown in double
hands) in each Basic Mudras, to show different symbols. Considering all these
Mudras and their seperations there are totally 470 symbols used in Kathakali.
1. Pathaaka (Flag)
3. Katakam (Golden Bangle)
4. Mushti (Fist)
5. Kartharee Mukham (Scissor's sharp point)
6. Sukathundam (Parrot's peek)
7. Kapidhakam (The fruit of a tree)
8. Hamsa Paksham (Swan'swing)
9. Sikharam (Peak)
10. Hamsaasyam (Swan's peek)
11.Anjaly (Folded hands in Salutation)
12.Ardhachandram (Half moon)
13. Mukuram (Mirror)
14. Bhramaram (Beetle)
15. Soochimukham (Needle's sharp point)
16. Pallavam (Sprout)
17. Thripathaaka (Flag with three colours)
18. Mrigaseersham (Deer's head)
19. Sarpasirassu (Serpant's head)
20. Vardhamanakam (Seedling)
21. Araalam (Curved)
22. Oornanabham (Spider)
23. Mukulam (Bud)
It was one of the Rajas (Chieftain) of Kottarakkara, who wrote the first play
intended for Kathakali performance. They form a cycle of eight stories based on
Ramayana. The performance for each story was designed to last for six to eight
hours. The performed stories were then known as Ramanattom (play pertaining to
Rama), which later came to be called as Kathakali. Stories based on other epics
and puranas were added to its repertoire in later period. More information
Major Kathakali Centres of Kerala
1. Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur District.
2. P.S.V. Natyasangham, Kottakkal, Calicut District.
3. Gandhi Seva Sadanam, Pathirippala, Palakkad District.
4. Unnayivarrier Smaraka Kalanilayam, Iringalakkuda, Thrissur District.
5. Cochin Cultural Centre, Cochin, Ernakulam District
6. Art Kerala, Valanjambalam, Ernakulam District.
8. R.L.V. Thripunithura, Ernakulam Dt.
More information about Kathakali
- International Centre for Kathakali
Dance drama of Kerala
- Written by M. P. Sankaran Namboodiri (Principal - Kerala Kalamandalam)
The Kala Chethena Kathkali