Art Forms of Kerala: An Exploration of the Breath-Taking Heritage

Kerala is known as the land of attraction because of its natural and cultural beauty where all the churches, temples and mosques are found under the same umbrella. This place is filled with peace and love in abundance, surrounded by coconut trees all around. 

 

But when it comes to its vibrant forms of arts Kerala is not less than any other state of India. In fact, the art forms of Kerala are another reason for its increased tourism.

Various dance forms, ritual arts, folk arts, tribal arts and martial arts are performed in Kerala with the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music all reflecting Kerala's unique history, customs and beliefs. So let’s explore some of the prominent art forms of Kerala:-

1. Mohiniyattam

Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form performed in Kerala, women perform this dance in honour of Lord Vishnu.

Mohiniyattam depicts the feminine grace known as ‘lasya’ through their footsteps, body movement and subtle facial expressions. Now, this dance form isn’t only limited to Kerala but has also been incorporated as a subject in art schools and universities.  

2. Kathakali

Kerala is the centre of the Kathakali dance. This is a classical dance form of Kerala and has received huge admiration from all over the globe. Kathakali is a way of retelling stories especially from the Indian epics in the form of dance.

Kathakali is a combination of six elements- dance, devotion, music, drama, makeup and costume, absence of even any one of these destroys the beauty of this renowned art.

3. Ottan Thullal

Ottan Thullal is a traditional dance of Kerala which is majorly played in temples at various festivals. It’s performed on Malayalam music which usually involves humour and most of them are theme-driven which are obtained from myths.

The one who performs this art is known as Thullalkaran. Its makeup is similar to that of kathakali but the costumes of both dance forms vary. It’s believed that ottan Thullal is inspired by Kathakali.

4. Koodiyattam

Koodiyattam is performed in a group as koodiyattam itself means ‘dancing together. It’s believed that koodiyattam is the oldest surviving theatre art and is a masterpiece art of Kerala through which Sanskrit dramas are enacted.

The people who serve the temples consider it their duty to perform koodiyattam to preserve it. The dance is usually performed at night after all the prayers and rituals are done.

5. Chavittu Natakam

 

Chavittu Natakam is a dance form traditionally performed by the Christian community of Kerala. The origin of this dance goes back to the time when the Portuguese came to Kerala and were impressed by Kathakali and wanted a medium to spread their myths. So they created another dance form.

This dance form is played on stage as well as in churches. The music is sung by the dancers only in both the languages Tamil and Malayalam.

6. Oppana

Oppana is a dance form that is performed by the Muslim community of Kerala. This dance is performed on the wedding day by the women, be it relatives or friends. The bride is seated in the centre at a chair called peetam and the dancers perform around her.

The song for Oppana dance is usually in Malayalam and sometimes in Arabic as well. The theme of these songs includes teasing comments.

7. Sarpam Thullal

Even though snakes are considered the most dangerous reptiles in the world but still in the Hindu religion they are considered as the protectors of the family and hence are worshipped prominently in the state of Kerala.

Sarpam Thullal is a ceremony under which the dance of snakes is performed to impress the almighty to safeguard their families from every single harm.  

Besides these, some other famous art forms of Kerala are Kaali Theeyattu, Kambra Nritham, Ptayani and Theyyam.

Written By- Riya Gulia