An Indian Art

GHUNGHARU or PAAYALGhungharu are the "tinklebells" or "jingle bells" which are used to adorn the feet of dancers. When tied to the feet, they are played by the act of dancing. They may also be played by hand. This instrument evolved from the payal...

KathakaliKathakali, a religious dance-drama tradition, originated in Kerala, in southern India. Kathakali literally means enactment of stories. Traditionally it is a male dominated performing art practiced by the warrior caste. The style evolved in the...

MUDRAS – SIGN LANGUAGE – basic alphabetPathakamMudraakhyamKatakam MustiKartharremukham SukathunddamKapidhakamHamsapakshamSikaramHamsassyamAnjalyArdhachandram Mukuram BhramaraSoochikamukamPallavam Thripathaakam Mrigaseersham SarpasirassuVardamanakam...

THE HANDS - SIGN LANGUAGE: The sign Language used in Kathakali is very important and is called MUDRAS –an ancient sacred sign language that originated in the Hindu temple ritualsthousands of years ago and later adapted into the dramatic language ofKathakali.The...

THE TRAINING: KATHAKALI The training of a Kathakali actor begins at an early age when young boys leavetheir homes to dedicate the entire lives to Kathakali.The rigorous training necessary for a Kathakali actor begins at 4.00am with eye and facial...

THE CHARACTERS: KATHAKALIThe characters are categorised into symbolic "personalities" ranging from the most sanctified [Gods] to the most evil.The characters represent the evolution of humanity and the sensitive relationship between the individual, spirituality...

BACKGROUND OF KATHAKALIKathakali is ancient and classical in nature and holds centuries of tradition and culture. It is not simply a dance-drama but an act of devotion featuring the universal struggle between good and evil.Kathakali takes place in a...

Performances of KathakaliKathakali performances are not confined to a temple's courtyard; they are held in the open under the sky. Before a performance begins, chendakkaaran the instrumental musician, beats the drum to announce the news that a dance...

Make-up of KathakaliThe make-up of Kathakali character is peculiarily native to the Kerala folk-art. In folk theatrical varieties, huge marks and make-ups were as much prevalent during the historic span of time. Elaborate make- up heightens dramatic...

The Art of KathakaliKathakali employs the four abhinayas, viz Sattvika, expression of thoughts by the efforts of the mind (Bhaava and Rasa). Aangika, conveyance of ideas by the movements of the various parts of the body (gestures).,Vaacika, spoken words,...

Origin of KathakaliIt was believed that Kathakali was conceived from Krishnanaattam, the dance drama on the life and activities of Lord Krishna created by the Zamorin of Calicut. The reason for that is said as follows: Once Kottarakkara Thampuran the...

KATHAKALIKathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally...

KathakaliKathakali classical danceKathakali classical dance of Kerala owes its transnational fame to the nearly 300-year-old.Kathakali literally means story-play and is an elaborate dance depicting the victory of truth over falsehood. Themes revolve...