Kathakali is one of the major dance forms in the Indian classical dance forms. The dancer depicts a story in the form of actions and movements. These actions are combined form of movements made through eyes, facial expressions, hands, and legs.

Kathakali is one of the major dance forms in the Indian classical dance forms. The dancer depicts a story in the form of actions and movements. These actions are combined form of movements made through eyes, facial expressions, hands, and legs. When we break the term “Kathakali”, then “Katha” means story or depiction of an idea, and “Kali” came from the term “Kala” meaning art.

Kathakali is specifically identified by brightly coloured costumes, and elaborated facial make up. A kathakali dancer is generally a male who puts on these costumes and wears colourful make up.

This dance form originates from Hindu performance art in the southwestern region of Kerala. A kathakali performance consists of music, vocal artists, dancers, who come together to express a concept or an idea.

The traditional themes of Kathakali include folk mythologies, religious legends, spiritual ideas, that originate in Hindu epics and the Purans. The vocal artists sing the songs in Sanskritised Malayalam language.

The costumes and the make up vary as per the changing characters of the story. There are archetypes of every character to represent demons, gods, goddesses, animals, and other representations. To represent the Gods like Ram, Krishna, Vishnu, Arjun, the faces are painted in green and lips in red.

Key Elements of Kathakali

1. Origins and History
   • Kathakali has its roots in the temples of Kerala and is believed to have evolved from older temple art forms like Krishnanattam and Koodiyattam in the 17th century.
   • It was traditionally performed in temple courtyards or during festivals and was closely tied to the performance of sacred stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, and the Purans.
2. Themes and Stories
   • The narratives in Kathakali are typically drawn from Hindu mythology and epics. The stories center around gods, demons, and noble heroes, and often depict the eternal struggle between good and evil.
   • Performances are epic in scale, recounting tales of valor, devotion, and virtue, often with moral and spiritual undertones.
3. Costumes and Makeup
   • The costumes and makeup in Kathakali are some of the most elaborate and vibrant in Indian classical arts. They help define the nature of the character being portrayed.
   • Costumes: The dancers wear heavy, multilayered costumes with broad skirts and headdresses that represent different characters, such as kings, demons, and divine figures.
   • Makeup (Vesham): The makeup used in Kathakali is intricate and bold, made from natural pigments and rice paste. There are five basic makeup types:
     • Pacha (Green): Represents noble and virtuous characters, such as gods or heroes (e.g., Lord Rama).
     • Kathi (Knife): Used for characters with an evil nature or anti-heroes (e.g., Ravana), painted in green but with red streaks or patterns.
     • Thadi (Beard):
       • Red Beard (Chuvanna Thadi): Symbolizes fierce and evil characters, like demons.
       • Black Beard (Karutha Thadi): Represents hunters or forest-dwellers.
       • White Beard (Vella Thadi): Portrays divine beings, like Hanuman, the monkey god.
     • Minukku: A natural, light makeup used for virtuous women and sages.
     • Kari: Black makeup, representing evil or demonic characters, often with exaggerated features.
4. Facial Expressions and Mudras
   • Kathakali is highly expressive, relying on precise and exaggerated facial expressions known as Navarasas (the nine emotions), which include emotions like love, anger, sorrow, and heroism.
   • Mudras (hand gestures) are another crucial element of Kathakali and are used to convey specific meanings, narrate the story, and express dialogue. There are over 500 hand gestures in Kathakali, making it a highly codified form of dance.
   • Eye Movements: The eyes play a critical role in Kathakali performance. The dancers train to move their eyes with great agility to express various emotions and emphasize the mood of the story.
5. Music and Instruments
   • Music in Kathakali is an essential component, providing both rhythm and emotional intensity. The accompanying musicians include vocalists (who sing the narrative and dialogue) and percussionists.
   • Chenda: A cylindrical drum used to create dramatic effects.
   • Maddalam: A barrel-shaped drum, played horizontally, producing deep, resonant sounds.
   • Idakka: A small, hourglass-shaped drum that can produce a wide range of tones.
   • Shankh (Conch): Sometimes used to signify the beginning of the performance.
   • The singing is performed in Manipravalam, a mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam, the language of Kerala.
6. Performance Structure
   • Kathakali performances traditionally begin in the evening and continue through the night, lasting for several hours. Today, shorter performances are common for modern audiences.
   • A typical Kathakali performance begins with a tiranokku (curtain look), where the character peeks out from behind a curtain, building anticipation and allowing the audience to absorb the character’s presence before the action begins.
   • Kalasham: A series of pure dance movements without dialogue that showcases the dancer’s skill and the intricacy of Kathakali’s rhythmic patterns.
7. Training and Preparation
   • Kathakali dancers undergo rigorous training that can take years to master. The training involves learning complex movements, facial expressions, and the mastery of Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art form of Kerala, to build physical stamina and agility.
   • Dancers practice eye exercises to strengthen their ability to express emotions solely through their eyes.
8. Famous Kathakali Characters
   • Nala and Damayanti: A famous love story from the Mahabharat.
   • Narasimha: The lion-man incarnation of Vishnu, killing the demon Hiranyakashipu.
   • Ravan: The demon king from the Ramayan, portrayed with a bold and commanding presence.
9. Modern Kathakali
   • While rooted in tradition, Kathakali has evolved to include new themes and stories, including adaptations of Western classics such as Shakespeare’s plays (“Othello” and “King Lear”) and other global literature.
   • Contemporary artists have also experimented with the Kathakali style in more abstract or socially relevant contexts, giving the art form a broader appeal beyond mythological themes.

Significance and Cultural Impact

Kathakali is not just a form of entertainment; it is considered a spiritual and cultural experience. It is deeply linked with Kerala’s religious traditions, often depicting divine and moral battles. Kathakali’s aesthetic beauty and the complexity of its movements, expressions, and music have made it one of India’s most internationally recognized dance forms.