|
|
History of Kathakali
In Kerala there is a great reverence towards serpents and their worship. As such, at first there was a dance called Pambam Tullal (Serpent dance) as a form of serpent worship. Later on, the people of Kerala who are devotees of Bhagavati a goddess - started performing dances wearing various kinds of costumes and make-up.
|
|
This was the earliest form of Kathakali. As time passed, a community called 'Nayar-s' who were warlike in character practiced martial arts to protect their lands. These were the devotees of Mahakali and hence famous for their valour, heroism and determination. They began physical exercises in special places called 'Kalari'. Gradually these exercises in 'Kalari' changed into Kathakali form and even today Kathakali is taught in 'Kalari-s'. We can see in the art of Kathakali a beautiful fusion of Dravidian and Aryan cultures and from this fusion are born the distinct dances like 'Chakiar Koothu' and 'Koodiyattam' - the temple dances like Mutiyettu 'Theeryatam' and martial dances like 'Shastrakali' and 'Ezamattukali' and the folk dances like Meenakshi Natakam, Kamsanatakam and finally the famous traditional dance forms - Ramanattam and Krishnattam.
|
