Mohiniyattam

About Mohiniyattam:

• It is an Indian classical dance form that evolved in the state of Kerala.
• History and Evolution:
  • Its roots date back to the age-old Sanskrit Hindu text on performing arts called ‘Natya Shastra’.
  • It is used to be performed by Devadasis (temple dancers) in temples during the rule of the Chera kings from 9 to 12 C.E.
• Features:                              
  • It is conventionally a solo dance performed by female artists. It adheres to the Lasya type that showcases a more graceful, gentle and feminine form of dancing. 
  • Theme: The dance form Mohiniyattam has love and devotion to God as its major themes, with usually Lord Vishnu or his incarnation Lord Krishna as the lead character.
  • It emotes a play through dancing and singing, where the song is customarily in Manipravala, which is a mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam language.
  • The recitation may be performed by the dancer or a vocalist, with the music style being Carnatic. The dance is characterized by its graceful swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps.
  • More than the footwork, emphasis is given to hand gestures and Mukhabhinaya or subtle facial expressions. The hand gestures, 24 in number, are mainly adopted from ‘Hastha Lakshana Deepika’, a text followed by Kathakali.
  • Costumes in Mohiniyattam include plain white or ivory cream traditional sari embroidered with  bright gold-laced brocade.
  • Instruments used: Mridangam, Madhalam, ldakka, flute, Veena and Kuzhitalam(cymbals).