Kerala Folk Dance-Nadodi Nritham

Kerala is land of fascinating and colorful folk dances. There are more than a hundred famous folk dances in Kerala with different themes.The folk dances of Kerala are closely related with life of common man.

Each state is associated with some form of folk and tribal art forms exhibiting its culture. Kerala includes numerous colourful folk dances.Nadodi means tribal people or nomads who dress entirely different from normal people. Nritham means dance. So nadodi nritham is an art form performed in the costume of tribes and villagers.

Nadodi often perform different art items as a part of their celebrations and happiness. They carry some strange instruments as well as equipments. They are not much civilized till now. That’s the reason why, when this folk item is performed on stage, participants wear colourful dresses, big bindi, thick eye brows and heavy make up. They wear glass bangles and anklets with bells.

Bharatanatyam Mudras - Online Learning

1.Pataki 

 Pataki means “Flag”.Pataki is done with all fingers held straight like the stop sign.There should be no gap between the fingers.

2.Tripataaka 

Tripataaka means “three parts of the flag”.In this mudra,all the fingers are held straight and close together like the stop sign except for the ring finger which is bent.

3.Ardhapataaka 

 Ardhapataaka means “half flag”.It is done by bending the little finger after doing the Tripataaka.

4.Kartarimukha 

Kartarimukha mudras is done when the little finger and the ring finger is bent and pressed against the thumb. While the index finger and the middle finger is stretched to show a scissor.

5.Mayura 

The ring finger and the tip of the thumb touch each other fingers are held straight without any gap.

6.Ardhachandra 

In Ardhachandra all the fingers is held straight and together, except the thumb fingerwhich is held apart.It is just like the Pataki gesture, but the thumfinger is held straight and not bent like in Pataka.

7.Araala 

It is dine when the index finger is bent while doing the Pataka mudra. Here the index finger is bent along with the thumb,while the other fingers are held straight.

8.Shukatunda : When the ring finger of the Araala mudra is bent we get Shukatunda Hasta.

9. Mushthi : In simple words it is a closed first position of the palm. When the four fingers are pressed closely against the palm,  while the thumb is held tightly between the palm and the other four fingers. The thumb can also be placed on the four fingers.

10. Shikhara: Here all the fingers are bent and pressed against the palm except the thumb.The thumb is raised and held-erect.

Kerala Dances

• Kathakali

                Kerala is known worldwide for Kathakali, which is generally performed by male 

dancers. Usually staged on temple grounds, Kathakali is a classical dance form that utilizes detailed and stylized makeup and colorful costumes. The typical Kathakali costume includes a headgear, billowing skirt and plentiful ornaments. 

During a typical performance, the artists play the role of mythological characters from Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. The entire story or a scene from a mythological story is depicted by the artists, by making use of graceful movements of hands, eyes and legs. Props are used wherever necessary. Chenda (traditional drum) player is accompanied by one or two singers, who narrate the story in the form of song. This completes a typical Kathakali performance.

• Mohiniyattam

                Mohiniyattam is a sensual classical dance that involves graceful movements. Mohiniyattam is performed only by women. This dance includes elements belonging to other classical dances like Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. The dance movements are gentle and graceful, especially the eye movements which are mesmerizing.

Mohiniyattam is a dance form said to have originated in Kerala. It is closely related to Bharathanatyam of Tamil Nadu, which was originally called ‘Dasiyattam’. Mohiniyattam involves delicate footsteps and subtle expressions. The movements are graceful and the costumes are sober and attractive. Mohiniattam follows the Hastha Lakshanadeepika, a textbook for Mudras. The vocal music for Mohiniattam is classical Carnatic.

• Thirvathirakali

         Thirvathirakali popular group dance is performed during Onam festival in Kerala. It is performed by women who move in circle and dance rhythmically to the tune of Thiruvathira songs.

Thiruvathira kali is a typical dance form of Kerala. This is a female group dance made up of simple yet very attractive steps. 

In  ancient times, women use to perform this dance in their homes during festivals and functions, giving it the Malayalam name aka Kaikottikali: aka-inside + kaikottikali-play claping hands. Lore has it that Thiruvathira Kali is in memory of Lord Siva taking Parvathi as his wife. A group of women dressed in typical Kerala style with mundu and neriyathu and the hair bun adorned with jasmine garlands perform this dance during festival seasons.. Kaikottikkali spreads the message of joy and also illustrates the emotions of a married woman towards her beloved and of the unmarried woman longing for one.

• Kolkalli

        Kolkalli is highly rhythmic dance form. It is mainly performed by agrarian classes. It involves the use of wooden sticks as props. This dance is usually performed by a group of 24 dancers, who move in a circle beating the long sticks.

• Oppana Dance

           Oppana is a dance form specific to the Muslim community of Kerala. Oppana is usually a bridal group dance performed the day before the wedding day. It is a dance form essential to the wedding entertainment and festivities of the Muslims especially in the Malabar region of Kerala. Oppana is generally presented by young female relatives of the bride, who sing and dance around the bride clapping their hands.            

• Ottamthullal

                Ottamthullal is a popular dance form in Kerala. Famous Malayalam poet Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar has been credited with the creation of this dance form, way back in the 18th century. Originally, this dance was performed by a single actor wearing make up and colorful costumes.

 Later it was staged as group dance involving many actors playing their character in the story. This art form is very popular among common man due to its satirical touch. During the performance, the dancer musically narrates a story, which may be based on mythological stories.

• Koodiyattam

                   Koodiyattam is a part of Sanskrit theatre art. The popular dance form of Kerala is the only remaining proof of the ancient Sanskrit Theatre. Traditionally, it was being played in temples for centuries. The important musical instruments used in Koodiyattam are Mizhavu, Kuzhitalam, Kurumkuzhal and Sankhu.

•   Duffmuttu or Aravanmuttu

                                  Duffmuttu (also known as Aravanmuttu or Arbanamuttu) is a dance form particular to the Muslim community of Kerala. The origin of Duffmutt can be traced back to the Arabs. It is still accompanied by Arabic music. The name Duffmuttu is attributed to the use of an instrument called duff or tap. Daff is a round percussion instrument with one side covered with hide and is used to produce rhythm.

• Chakyar Koothu

                Chakyar Koothu is an ancient dance form performed in Kerala. In this highly refined dance form, the performer narrates events from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is generally performed in temples during special occasions and festivals.

Chakyar koothu is a blend of social satire, mime and comedy. The Koothu basically depends on the main Hindu epics Ramayanam and Mahabaratham, which the Chakyars first chants the verses of  in Sanskrit and then narrates the story in Malayalam. The Chakyar is a comedian par excellence, occasionally even mimicking the characters in a tongue-in-cheek manner and drawing social parallels between Puranic (Ramayanam and Mahabaratham) tales and modern life.

• Theyyam

          Theyyam is a popular dance form performed in Malabar region of Kerala. For thousands of years, Theyyam and its rituals are in practice in this region. It is a Dravidian art form and is quite popular due to its accessibility to lower castes.

is a folk art performed in North Malabar region of Kerala State in south India. The dance performers move in a circle, striking small sticks and keeping rhythm with special steps. The circle expands and contracts as the dance progress. The accompanying music gradually rises in pitch and the dance reaches its climax.Many of the traditional performing art forms of Kerala like Kathakali, Velakali, Poorakkali and Thacholikali; Kolkali, also have drawn elements from Kalarippayatt during their stages of evolution. Kathakali has borrowed much from Kalarippayattu in its basic body preparative training of the actor not only in terms of technique in practice but also from the body massage for the trainee. Many of the body postures, choreography and foot work of the Kolkali characters are taken directly from Kalarippayattu.

Origin and Histroy of Kathak Dance

Kathak, a dance form of north India, derives its name from katha (story) since it originated from the devotional recitation by story-tellers or kathakars, who were attached to temples. The kathakars used to tell the story through music and dance. During medieval period it recived special patronage from both the Mughal and Hindu rulers.

Kathak is among the six major classical dances of India and one of the most dynamic theater arts in the world. The word Kathak is derived from katha, meaning "the art of storytelling." It is also synonymous with the community of artists known as Kathakas whose hereditary profession it was to narrate history while entertaining. With dance, music and mime these storytellers of ancient India would bring to life the great scriptures and epic so ancient times, especially the great Indian epics - the Mahabharata and the Ramayana - and the Puranas of Sanskrit literature. During the nineteenth century Kathak enjoyed a revival and gained prominence among the kings and zamindars (feudal lords) not only as a form of entertainment but also as a classical art form. Slowly and gradually Gharanas or schools of Kathak emerged. The Jaipur Gharana of Kathak emphasized technical mastery of pure dance. In the court of Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Oudh (a student of Kathak), Kathak dance emphasized dramatic and sensuous expression and developed into a distinct style called the Lucknow Gharana. This Gharana is said to have originated with Wajid Ali Shah's court dancer Thakur Prasadji. 

The Kathak presentation is divided into three distinct parts: the natya (drama), the nritta (pure dance) and the nritya (expression,mimetic). While nritta is a logical extension of words and imagery of movements, inclusion of the natya to the dance gives it substance. Nritya combines dancing and action while interpreting the story. In delineation of these aspects, the rasa or emotion charges the atmosphere radiating ananda (bliss) on union with god. Known for its intricate compositions, rapid chakkars or bhramaris (pirouettes), complex tatkar (footwork) and stylised facial expressions, Kathak hails from three gharanas-Banaras, Luckow and jaipur. While the jaipur gharana focuses on layakari or rhythmic permutations, the Lucknow gharana expounds on bhava or moods and emotions with graceful movement and delicate placing of hands. This dance style was influenced by the Awadh royalty.

Histroy and Origin of Kathakali

Kathakali Dance of Kerala is the traditional dance drama of Kerala with very colorful characters depicting a story with Kathak hand gestures. 'Kathakali' literally translates into "Story Play" and is one of the world's most famous form of dancing in which a story is being told in the form of a dance.Kathakali is an ancient and traditional dance form of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". Kathakali uses elaborate make-ups, costumes and background. Kathakali was originated in the 17th century and has its roots in Hindu mythology.

Origin and History of Kathakali

Popular belief is that Kathakali is emerged from "Krishananattam", the dance drama on the life and activities of Lord Krishna created by the Zamorin of Calicut. Once Kottarakkara Thampuran, the Raja of Kottarakkara who was attracted by Krishnanaattam requested the Zamorin for the loan of a troupe of performers. Due to the political rivalry between the two, Zamorin did not allow this. So Kottarakkara Thampuran created another art form called Ramanattam which was later transformed into Aattakatha. Krishnanaattam was written in Sanskrit, and Raamanaattam was in Malayalam. By the end of 17th century, Attakatha was presented to the world with the title 'Kathakali'. 

Kathakali is thought to have originated from pioneer dance-drama forms - Ramanattam and Krishnanattam. The word "attam" means enactment. These two forms of dance, along with Kathakali, dealt with presentation of the stories of Hindu Gods Rama and Krishna. Kottarakara Thampuran, the ruler of the south Kerala province of Kottarakkara, composed several plays on the Ramayana, which led to the evolution of Kathakali.It originated in the 16th century AD, approximately between 1555 and 1605, and has been improved miraculously over the years. 

The dancers wear large head dresses, and the contours of the face are extended with moulded lime. The extraordinary costumes and make-up serve to raise the participants above the level of mere mortals, so that they may transport the audience to a world of wonders.

Art Forms of Kerala

Kerala, rich in its cultural heritage, has developed through the centuries its own typical art forms, particularly folk dances. Kerala, a southern state of India, has a very long history of culture and civilization. The historical records corroborate the fact that various art forms – classical, folk as well as tribal – had evolved in Kerala in very ancient period.

Kathakali

Kathakali is an ancient dance - drama of Kerala. It is so appealing due to the rare synthesis of dance, drama, music, acting, percussion, mythology, and culture. It is evolved from folk arts and other earlier classical dances of Kerala. The Kerala Kala Mandalam founded by poet Vallothol at Cheruthuruthi in1930 has played a vital role in revitalizing Kathakali.

Kooth

Kooth is performed by the members of the professional Chakyar caste and that too only in Koothambalam of temples. It is one of the oldest of theatrical arts not only of Kerala, but of India also. Koothu has come to be looked upon as the monoact par excellence in which a single actor, viz the Chakiar, acts the role of all the characters impressing his audience with suitable gestures.

Koodiyattam

Koodiyattam, one of the well known classical dance dramas,was originated 2000 years ago in Kerala. It is believed that the history of drama of Kerala began with Koodiyattam. It was performed in the Koothambalams of temples- the place of worship of Hindus. Koodiyattam is the earliest form of dramatic art in Kerala. In Koothu and Koodiyattam the actors enjoy freedom of speech and they criticise the important personages without fear or favour.

Ramanattom

Ramanatom is a dance drama based on the life of Rama who is considered as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is performed as an eight - day cycle. It can be considered as the proto type of Kathakali in many aspects.

Mohiniyattom

Mohiniyattom, which is also known as “Kerala Nadanam”, is a unique dance form of recent origin. The influence of Kathakali and Bharata Natyam are very much evident in it. In the beginning, it was performed by women, but now it was performed by man also.

Indian Classical Dance

In the Indian culture, classical dance has a lot of significance. It is not merely meant for entertaining oneself, but it serves as a fabulous way to express the innate feelings of heart. Indian Classical Dance is one of the most comprehensive and oldest dance forms in the world. Most of the development of Indian dance is linked to the 2nd century B.C.  It is one of the best means to get connected to God. The theoretical aspect related to Indian classical dance can be traced back during the period of Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni (400 BC). In the ancient times, dance was performed to appease the deities and was considered a vital element of spirituality.

Indian folk and tribal dances are simple dances, and are performed to express joy. Folk and tribal dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, a wedding and festivals. The dances are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement. The dances burst with verve and vitality. Men and women perform some dances exclusively, while in some performances men and women dance together.