MOHINIYATTOM
MOHINIYATTOM
Mohiniyattam is a
dance form said to have originated in Kerala. It is closely related to of Tamil Nadu, which was originally called 'Dasiyattam'.
Originated as the temple dance performed by Devadasis, it portrays feminine
love in its myriad forms - carnal, devotional and maternal- with accent more on
Lasya and Bhava. In the main items Cholkettu, Padavarnam and Padam, Mudras and
facial expressions are more important than the rhythmic steps. Costumes and
ornaments of Mohiniyattam have much in common with female characters of
Koodiyattam and Kathakali.Once Mohiniyattam was performed only in Temples
premises and royal courts. The first reference to Mohiniyattam is found in
'Vyavaharamala' composed by Mazhamangalam Narayanan Namboodiri, of 16th century
AD. Major contributions to this art form were given by Maharaja Swathi
Thirunal, Irayimman Thampi and Kuttikunju Thankachi.
After Swathi
Thirunal's period there was a downfall of Mohiniyattam. It somehow degenerated
into eroticism to satisfy the Epicurean life of a few provincial satraps and
landlords. The renowned Malayalam poet Vallathol revived it and gave it a status
in modern times through Kerala Kalamandalam which is presently doing its best
for the development and popularity of Mohiniyattam Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma (wife of famous Kathakali
artist, late Padmashree Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair) and Chinnammu Amma are well
known Mohiniyattam performers. Among the present day artists Kalamandalam
Sathyabhama, Kalamandalam Kshemavathi, Bharathi Sivaji, Kanak Rele, Sunanda
Nair etc.. are well known artists. Smt. Kanak Rele deserves a special mention
as she is not a Malayalee. She has established a Nritya Mahavidyalaya in Mumbai
to promote Mohiniyattam along with other dance forms.Most of the component
items of Mohiniyattam are similar to Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi, though subtle
differences of style is obvious. The language used in the lyrics is a pleasant
mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit, known as Manipravalam. Formerly, the were specially composed to include only Sringararasa. Now a days artists are
using any classical or semi-classical compositions, even from other language.
The real beauty of Mohiniyattam comes through only when mature ladies enact the
romantic padams specially written to present the Ashta Nayikas: Swadheena
Bharthruka, Khanditha, Abhisarika, Vipralabdha, Kalahandtharitha, Vasakasajja,
Proshithabharthruka, Viraholkhanditha.The accompaniments for Mohiniyattam are
Vocal, Veena, Venu, Maddalam and Idakka. Other instruments are also not
unusual.Compared most other dance forms, Mohiniyattam gives more importance to
gestural and facial acting. The Mudras (hand gestures) are almost always same
as those employed in Kathakali. The artists try to enact the lyrics almost in
its entirety, like in Kathakali.
Prof.
John Kurakar
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