The various Art & Art forms of Kerala

The rich tradition and cultural heritage of Kerala, makes Kerala home to various art forms specific to the region. The art and culture of Kerala portrays various dance forms and martial arts performed with accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music performed mostly during some celebration or festivity.

Bharata Natyam, oldest of classical dance forms in India has its origin in Natya Sastra written around 4000 BC by sage Bharatha. Known as the 'Poetry in Motion', this dance form was originally known as 'dasi attam,' a temple dance performed by young women called 'devadasis.'

Chakyarkoothu, also called koothu, a solo dance usually performed in the koothambalam of temples to the accompaniment of the mizhavu and elathalam is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of Kerala.

Kathakakli, the classical dance drama of Kerala based on the guidelines laid in the Natya Sastra is an elaborate art form usually played in the evenings continuing till dawn. It is an inherent part of all temple and cultural festivals in Kerala. The costumes and makeup are ornamental, colorful and elaborate so that the gestures and expressions of the performer are easily seen and understood.

Mohiniyattam, a classical solo dance style, a blend of grace and elegance of Bharata Natyam with strength and force of Kathakali, is played to build a mood of sringara or romance. The dance is usually performed on specially made stages during the temple festivals.

Kalampattu or Kalamezhuthu Pattu is a 600 years old folk art form that is practiced in the northern parts of Kerala. It is usually performed by a group of five to fifteen people in the Bhadrakali and Ayyappa temples.

Kaliyoottu is a ritual performed on a specially constructed 100 ft. high stage on the eighth day, of an eight daylong folk ritual, which depicts the combat between goddess Durga and the demon Darika. The climax of the play is called Paranettu.

Kavadiyattam is a ritualistic dance form performed by a group of devotees in bright yellow or saffron costumes with ash smeared all over the body. The dance depicts Kavads carrying kavadis on their shoulders.

Kalaripayattu the complete system of martial arts of Kerala is considered as one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world. The training of Kalaripayattu aims at perfect co-ordination of body and mind and the traditional training in Kalari includes specialization in the indigenous medical practices too. Kalaris are also centers of religious worship.

Velkali is one of the most detailed and dramatic martial folk arts of Kerala and is usually performed within the temple premises. It is called thirumumbil vela when performed before the deity and kulathilvela when performed near the temple pond. Fifty or more performers dressed in the traditional attire of soldiers, bearing colorful shields and swords or long canes, dance in war like rhythm in perfect beat of accompaniments. A few fighting techniques of Kalaripayattu are also presented in the course of the performance.

The following are a few other ways in which your curiosity for art can be satiated,

The palaces and museums of Kerala have an exotic collection of ancient murals. The Krishnapuram Palace at Kayamkulam displays the largest of these masterpieces, ‘Gajendramoksham’, belonging to the 18th century depicting an event from mythology.

Yakshagana Bommeyattu (puppetry) the art form of Kasaragod shows colourful puppets in huge headgears, elaborate facial make-up and loud attires dancing to throbbing music.

Thiruvathirakali, is a traditional dance of Kerala, both graceful and elegant performed by women, with simple steps wearing traditional Kerala saree.

Panchavadyam is a traditional temple music using 5 native instruments accompanying elephant pageants and is used to build up the festive spirit that leaves the listeners entranced. Audio cassettes of Panchavadyam are also available.

In Kerala you can also browse in the art galleries through collections of world famous works of Raja Ravi Varma, Raja Raja Varma, Svetlova, Nicholas Roerich, rare murals and masterpieces from China, Japan, Tibet, Bali and other parts of India.

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