DA - Kathakali

Question 1

Kathakali Dance
Introduction

Answer 1

Kathakali is the most well known dance drama from the South Indian state of Kerala. It literally translates to ‘Story-Play’. It is famous for its large elaborate makeup and costumes.

Question 2

What are the elements of Kathakali?

Answer 2

The 5 elements of Kathakali are:

1. Expressions (Natyam) - This element emphasizes on facial expressions.
2. Dance (Nritham) - This element deals with the dance aspect emphasizing on rhythm and hand, leg and body movements.
3. Enactment (Nrithyam) - This element deals with the mudras or hand gestures.
4. Song/Vocal accompaniment (Geetha) - This element deals with the songs and vocals sang during Kathakali.
5. Instrumental accompaniment (Vadyam) - This element emphasizes on the musical instruments used during Kathakali.

Question 3

What are the techniques used in Kathakali Dance?

Answer 3

The Techniques used in Kathakali are:

1. Angika - This pertains to the body and it’s limbs.
2. Vachika - This relates to the vocal part including proper pronunciations, voice modulation, accents and percussions.
3. Satvika - This pertains to the representation of psychic conditions.
4. Ahraya - This deals with the costumes, stage props and make-up.

Question 4

Details of the Kathakali Dance.
How is the dance performed?

Answer 4

• The performance is done in front of a big oil lamp called Kalivilakku.
• The language used for Kathakali Dance is Manipravalam.
• The instruments used during the dance are mainly Chenda, Chengila, Edakka, ilathalam and maddalam.

Question 5

Make up done in Kathakali.
What are the different make-up features of Kathakali?

Answer 5

Make up is the most elaborate part of Kathakali which lasts for 3 hours.

The longest part is the chutti or the series of white ridges built up from the chin to either side of the cheeks.

The different types of Make-up are:

1. Pacha (Green Face)
   This depicts heroic, kingly and the divine type of character.
2. Kathi (knife)
   This depicts the arrogant and anti hero character.
3. Kari (Black face)
   This depicts lady demons or the witches of the Indian Epic.

4) Thadi (Beard)
- The Ella thadi or white beard is used to depict superhuman monkeys like Hanuman.
- The Chu Vanna Thadi or red beard depicts evil characters.
- The Karutha Thadi or black beard depicts hunters.

5. Minukku (lady)
   This depicts heroines, servants, etc.

Question 6

Kathakali Mudras

Answer 6

There are 24 basic mudras or hand gestures in the “Hasthalakshana Deepika” or the book of hand gestures followed in Kathakali.

They are of two types:

1. Asamyutha Mudras or single hand gestures
2. Samyutha Mudras or double hand gestures

Each gesture is used to show specific symbols.

Question 7

Navarasa or 9 expressions.
What are the 9 expressions used in Kathakali?

Answer 7

The Navarasa or Nine expressions used in Kathakali are:

1. Sringara (love)
2. Karunam (pity)
3. Raudram (anger)
4. Adbhutam (wonder)
5. Hasyam (Humour)
6. Santham (tranquility)
7. Bibhatsam (disgust)
8. Bhayanakam (fear)
9. Veeram (heroism)