Kathakali
Kathakali, a colourful dance-drama originated in the Indian state of Kerala, is perhaps one of the most stylized performing art forms around the globe. Originated in 17th century, this art form represents the rich tradition of arts and aesthetics of the land.
Kathakali is the stylised combination of five elements of fine arts. They are natyam (expression), nrithyam (dance), mudras (enactment), geetha (song) and vadyam (instrumental accompaniment).
Kathakali, a precursor to Ramanattam, evolved out of a host of performing art forms then popular in Kerala. Prominent among them is Krishnanattam, a colourful dance-drama in Sanskrit. Other art forms that have influenced Kathakali are Kutiyattam and Ashtapadiyattam. While the training and body language were influenced by the techniques of Kalarippayattu, a martial art, elements of Theyyam, Thiyyattu, Mudiyettu and Padayani are also discernible in Kathakali.
Origin of Kathakali
Kathakali, originated in the later half of the 17th century, is a precursor to Ramanattam, an art form formulated under the patronage of King Veera Kerala Varma, popularly known as Kottarakkara Thampuran. Ramanattam presents the story of Lord Rama in the epic Ramayana.
The story of Ramanattam, written by Thampuran himself, is divided into eight sections so that the full play is enacted in eight days. The sections, which present the major situations in Ramayana, are Puthrakameshti, Seetha Swayamvaram, Vichinnabhishekam, Kharavadham, Balivadham, Thoranayudham, Sethubandhanam and Yudham.
Various poets and artistes brought in stylisations to Ramanattam which eventually resulted in the formation of Kathakali. Of them, the ruler of the erstwhile princely state of Vettathu Nadu and scholar Kaplingaattu Namboothiri deserve special mention.
Royal patronage at various times in history helped Kathakali in improvisation and to earn a noble status among other art forms. Two rulers, Kottayathu Thampuran of erstwhile Kottayam kingdom in North Malabar and Karthika Tirunal of erstwhile Travancore kingdom deserve special mention.
Kottayathu Thampuran (18th century)
In quite a shift from tradition, Kottayathu Thampuran wrote plays based on Mahabharata which made the name ‘Ramanattam’ irrelevant and helped the evolution of the new art form. Thampuran, a versatile genius, was equally proficient in acting, music and literature. Bakavadham, Kalyanasougandhikam, Kirmeeravadham and Nivathakavachakalakeyavadham – the plays of Thampuran continue to be favourites of Kathakali-lovers.
Karthika Thirunal (1724-1798)
While it was Kottayathu Thampuran who popularised Kathakali in north Kerala, it was Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, the then ruler of the princely state of Travancore, who passionately took up the role in the south. Besides forming ‘Valiya Kottaram Kathakali Yogam’, a troupe, Karthika Thirunal also penned some plays like the all-time hits Rajasooyam and Narakasuravadham.
Karthika Thirunal was fortunate to have some brilliant courtiers who passionately joined him in popularising the new art form. Prominent among them was Unnayi Warrier, who wrote the Nalacharitham Aattakkatha, hailed as an all-time classic. The Nalacharitham Aattakkatha, scripted to be presented in four nights, excels in literature, music, drama, character formation and portrayal of life.
The growth and popularity of Kathakali is largely indebted to Karthika Thirunal, whose passion for the new art form helped the artistes in training, improvisation and getting stages. It was Karthika Thirunal who made it customary to stage Kathakali during special occasions at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple. Even today, Kathakali is integral to the annual festival and Navaratri celebrations at the temple.
Aswathi Thirunal (18th century)
Aswathi Thirunal, the nephew of Karthika Thirunal, was also a Kathakali-lover who penned several plays. His major works include Poothanamoksham, Rukminiswayamvaram and Ambareeshacharitham.
Veera Kerala Varma
The beginning of nineteenth century saw a mighty patronage for the art form in Veera Kerala Varma, the then ruler of Kochi kingdom in central Kerala. He also formed a Kathakali troupe and penned around hundred plays. Veera Kerala Varma’s contributions, especially in the propagation of the Kaplingattu school in Kathakali, are immense.
Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma
The reign of Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma (Malayalam Era 1022-36) in Travancore kingdom was momentous in the history of Kathakali with the art form getting unprecedented popularity among the public. Uthram Thirunal formed a troupe with glittering talents in the field which was the best during the period. The period also saw several troupes coming up in both the southern and northern parts of the state.
A fall in popularity
Twentieth century witnessed a dramatic drop in the popularity of Kathakali. Several factors contributed to this. The advent of modern arts like drama and cinema was a significant reason. These new arts, which had the advantage of being in vernacular language, could easily gain popularity over Kathakali which was a complex mix of Malayalam and Sanskrit.
Arduous training methods of Kathakali further worsened the situation with few youth opting to learn the art form which was still taught in the gurukula tradition. In short, both artistes and audience left the art form which called for a higher-level of knowledge from them.
Kerala Kalamandalam
Tough times didn’t last long for Kathakali, thanks to Kerala Kalamandalam, a training centre for arts set up by poet Mahakavi Vallathol and Manakkulam Mukunda Raja. Besides Kathakali, the Kerala Kalamandalam is also credited with the revival of some other classical art forms like Koodiyattam and Mohiniyattam.
Kalamandalam is also active in popularising these art forms across the world right from its inception in 1930. Today, Kalamandalam is a Deemed University of Art and Culture where traditional training is imparted in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kudiyattam, Thullal, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Nangiar Koothu. Training is also provided in panchavadyam, the percussion orchestra, and in chenda, maddalam and mizhavu, all percussion instruments.
Kathakali centres
A host of centres of repute have done commendable service to the popularization of Kathakali. They include Margi in Thiruvananthapuram district, Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kalanilayam at Irinjalakkuda in Thrissur district, PSV Natyasangham at Kottakkal in Malappuram district and FACT Kathakali School in Ernakulam district.
Kathakali make-up
The attractive make-up of Kathakali characters differs according to the quality of the character. The characters, classified into five according to their dominant qualities, have distinct make-up.
The five classifications are Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Kari and Minukku. In addition to these there eighteen special characters who have distinct make-ups.
Pacha: Pacha literally means green. The Pacha characters are of heroic, kingly and divine qualities. Some of the characters that wear the pacha make-up are the incarnations of Lord Vishnu - Lord Krishna and Lord Rama.
Kathi: Evil and arrogant characters of valour don this make-up. Kathi means knife in Malayalam and the name is attributed to the red mark on the cheek of the character in the shape of an upturned moustache or a knife model popular in the state.
Thaadi: Thaadi is further classified into three – Chuvanna Thaadi (red beard), Vella Thaadi (white beard) and Karutha Thaadi (black beard). While Chuvanna Thaadi is for vicious and vile characters, Vella Thaadi is for higher beings and Karutha Thaadi for primitive beings.
Kari: Kari literally means black or charcoal and woman demonesses don this make-up.
Minukku: Minukku literally means radiant and this make-up is for gentle characters with spiritual qualities. While common male minukku characters include sages and Brahmins female minukku characters are heroines and servants.