Kerala Arts
Kerala, which is 'God's own country', is a land of diverse art forms. The diversity in the arts of any country indicates the rich culture of that country. Kerala had its own distinct art tradition since the time of tribal cultures. Later, many art forms emerged in Kerala with influences from tribal arts and others. If we add together ritual arts, temple arts, social arts, sports and entertainment arts, folk arts, theatrical arts, visual arts, and audio arts, there are hundreds of art forms in Kerala. However, with the passage of time, many of these are disappearing. Arts can be mainly classified into three categories - visual arts, audio arts, and audio-visual arts. Visual arts are examples of fine arts or simple arts. Audio arts and audio-visual arts are examples of performing arts or expressive arts.
Visual and Audio Arts in Kerala
Kerala is a land with a history of art dating back to prehistoric times. The scientific arts of Kerala emerged and flourished centered around temples. Art forms were essential for the performance of temple rituals, festivals, and ceremonies. Visual arts are arts that delight the mind through vision. Painting, sculpture, handicrafts, and architecture are examples of visual arts.
■ Handicrafts
Handicrafts are the art of designing and making things with hands. These are mostly cottage industries. Handicrafts from small pottery to carpets, are made in the cottage industries. The use of machines is very limited. These are mostly handmade products.
■ Architecture
Two types of architectural styles were used in Kerala for temple construction. Dravidian style and Kerala style. The main features of Kerala style are the sanctum and the importance of woodwork. Some temples built in Kerala style include Koothambalam and Garuda Mandapam.
There are three phases in the development of temple construction in Kerala.
(1) The first phase is between the ninth and eleventh centuries. The foundations of the temples during this period were built in a circular or rectangular shape.
(2) In the second phase between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries, a combination of Dravidian and Kerala styles prevailed. The practice of building a shrine inside a temple began during this period.
(3) The third phase of temple construction in Kerala occurred between the fourteenth and nineteenth centuries. During this phase, temple construction became very complex. Attractive decorative works became the main feature of the temples.
Major temples built in the Kerala style are Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda, Mahadeva Temple in Peruvanam, Vadakkumnathan Temple, Sree Rama Temple in Triprayar, Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur and Thiruvangad Temple in Thalassery.
Audio Arts
Instruments
■ Important Musical Instruments
■ Pathinettu Vadyangal
The musical instruments known as the Pathinettu Vadyangal are - Chenda, Mridangam, Mizhavu, Maddalam, Perumbara, Idakka, Kuzhal, Kadunthudi, Ilathalam, Kuzhithalam, Udukku, Thamper, Veekan Chenda, Thimila, Changidi Kuzhal, Killari, Angyam and an instrument played from a high position.
■ Panchavadyam
Panchavadyam is a musical ensemble made up of five different types of instruments. Like the symphony of the West. Kriyanga and Sevanga are two variants of Panchavadyam. Kriyanga Panchavadyam is associated with rituals and pujas in temples. The instruments used in Kriyanga Panchavadyam are Thimila, Chengila, Shankh, Veekan Chenda and Kaimani. Sevanga Panchavadyam is used during festivals and processions. Sevanga Panchavadyam is known as the normal Panchavadyam. The normal Panchavadyam is made up of five instruments namely Thimila, Maddalam, Idakka, Shankh and Chengila. Instruments like horn and flute are also used. Sometimes, instead of Chengila, Ilathalam is also used. The Shankh is used at the beginning and at the intervals of the Panchavadyam. The most notable thing is that Chenda is not included in this. The Panchavadyam, an ensemble of musical instruments, features percussion and wind instruments.
The ilathalam is the heaviest instrument in the panchavadyam. The thimila, maddalam and edakka are the Avanaddha vadyams, while the kombu and conch are the sushira vadyams. The panchavadyam begins with the blowing of the conch. The number of participants in the panchavadyam is not always the same. If there are ten maddalams, twenty-one timilas are required. In addition, the same number of kombu is required as the timilas. A small panchavadyam requires at least three timilas, one maddalam, one edakka, two ilathalams, two kombu and one conch. In the past, the thoppi maddalam, chengila and kurumkuzhal were used in the panchavadyam. But now they are not used. The suddha maddalam is used instead of the thoppi maddalam, the ilathalam is used instead of the chengila, and the kombu is used instead of the kurumkuzhal. These reforms were made by Venkichan Swamy of Thiruvilwamala.
■ Melam
The 'Melam' is made up of a combination of Chenda, Ilathalam, Kombu and Kuzhal. Melam simply means a gathering. Pandi, Panchari, Dhruvam, Atanta, Anchadanta, Chemba, Chempada and Tripuda are the main melams. Of these, Panchari Melam and Pandi Melam are the most famous. The instruments of Panchari Melam are Chenda, Kurunguzhal, Ilathalam and Kombu. Pandi Melam is a similar instrument to Panchari Melam. The instruments of Pandi Melam are Chenda, Kurunguzhal, Ilathalam and Kombu. In this, Chenda is played using sticks in both hands. Panchari Melam is usually performed inside the temple walls and Pandi Melam is performed outside. Apart from these, there are other melams such as Sinkari Melam. Thayambaka is one of the oldest and most special musical instruments of Kerala. The performance of one person in Thayambaka is important. The other artists accompanying them only keep the rhythm. The instruments in the Thayambaka are the Chenda and the Ilathala. The Chenda is the main instrument in this. The Ilathala is used to add richness and rhythm to the melam.
Audio - Visual Arts
Temple and Classical Arts
The main temple arts of Kerala are Koothu, Koodiyattam, Kathakali, Ramanattam, Krishnanatam, Thullal, Ashtapadiyattam etc. These art forms have been named temple arts because they have developed in connection with temples. Earlier, temple arts were performed in specially prepared theatres in temples. On the Other hand, Classical arts must have a system, a routine, and a consistent style of presentation. Classical arts are art forms that require good discipline and practice. Kathakali, Koothu, Koodiyattam, Krishnanattam, Thullal, Mohiniyattam, and Kerala Natanam are the main classical arts of Kerala.
■ Kathakali
Kathakali, one of the best classical forms of India, has earned Kerala world fame. The original form of Kathakali is Krishnanattam, which emerged in the 16th century under the encouragement of the Zamorin of Kozhikode. It evolved into Kathakali from Ramanattam, created by the Kottarakkara Thampuran in the 17th century.
■ Ramanattom
Ramanattam, created by Kottarakkara Thampuran in the 17th century, evolved into Kathakali. Ramanattam, which tells the story of Rama, was performed on stage for eight days. This art form was presented in Manipravala language, a mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit. Ramanattam has similarities to Koodiyattam, Koothu and Ashtapadiyattam.
■ Krishnanattam
Krishnanattam was created by King Manavadeva of Kozhikode. Krishnanattam is based on the work of King Manavadeva called Krishnageethi. The main instruments are maddalam, chengila, and ilathalam. Krishnanattam is a dance form that completely embodies the story of Lord Krishna. Krishnanattam is mainly performed in the Guruvayur temple.
■ Koodiyattam
Koodiyattam is a theatrical performance of the people of Kerala. This art form is about two thousand years old. It is believed that Koodiyattam was organized by Kulasekaravarman, who ruled Kerala in the 10th century AD, and the great poet Tholan, who was a member of his poetic circle. UNESCO has described Koodiyattam as a great traditional art of humanity. Training in Koodiyattam is provided at Kalamandalam and Margi.
■ Koothu
Koothu is an art form performed in temples as a separate part of Koodiyattam. Koothu is performed in Koothambalam. The female roles in Koodiyattam are played by women from the Chakyar community (Nangiyar). Koothu is an art form that follows a one-act style. The musical instrument used in both Koothu and Koodiyattam is the mizhavu.
■ Ashtapathiyattom
Ashtapadiyattam is an art form developed by the Chakyans based on the work 'Geetha Govindam' written by Jayadeva. This is an art form that is not very popular in Kerala temple arts and does not exist today. Keralites call 'Geetha Govindam'. This name comes from the fact that each Geeta has eight verses. Ashtapadi is sung in many temples of Kerala, especially in Vishnu temples.
■ Thullal
Thullal was composed by Kunchan Nambiar, who was born in Killikurussi Mangalam, Palakkad district, during his time as a vassal of the King of Ambalapuzha. Thullal, which is simple and meaningful, has three variants. Parayan is performed in the morning, Shitangan in the afternoon and Ottan in the evening. The Ottan Thullal is the most popular.
■ Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam is a dance form native to Kerala. It is related to Bharatanatyam, a Devadasi dance form of Tamil Nadu. Mohiniyattam was also performed by Devadasis who were appointed to dance in temples. Hence, it was also known as Dasiyattam in the early days.
■ Kerala Natanam
Kerala Natanam is an art form created by Gurugopinath by combining the acting techniques of Kathakali with the dance techniques of Kerala folk dances and Bharatanatyam.
Performing Arts
■ Theyyam
■ Padayani
■ Yakshaganam
■ Thiruvathirakkali
■ Mudiyettu
■ Kummatti
■ Vattappattu
■ Gadhikamadal
■ Thirayattam
■ Theeyattam
■ Kaaliyoottu
■ Arjuna Nritham
■ Ammanattom
■ Ayyappan Vilakku
■ Gandharvan Pattu
■ Velakali
■ Paakkanaarkali
■ Mayilattom
■ Poorakkali
■ Marathakali
■ Poothanum Thirayum
■ Mudiyattam
■ Ninabali
■ Kaalakali
■ Kuthiyottam
■ Kanneru Pattu
■ Sarpam Thullal
■ Ona Thullal
■ Tholppavakkoothu
■ Kavadiyattam
■ Sarpam Pattu
■ Thidambu Nrittam
■ Kalamezhuthu
■ Kothammuriyattam
■ Kakkarissi Natakam
■ Porattu Nadakam
■ Paniyarkali
■ Vadithallu
■ Mangalamkali
■ Meenakshikalyanam
■ Villadichaan Paattu
■ Pavakathakali
■ Paniyarkali
■ Karuneeliyattam
■ Porattu Nadakam
■ Kanniyarkali
■ Tholppavakoothu
■ Ninabali
Other Performing Arts
■ Aadivedankali
■ Aivarkali
■ Bhadrakaali Thullal
■ Chaathankali
■ Chakiaarkoothu
■ Charadupinnikkali
■ Chavittukali
■ Chozhikali
■ Edaya Nritham
■ Elakkaradi
■ Garudan Thookkam
■ Kaadar Nritham
■ Kaanikkar Nritham
■ Kadhaprasangam
■ Kaikottikkali
■ Kalaripayattu
■ Koorankali
■ Kambadikali
■ Kannyarkali
■ Karadiyattam
■ Kolam Thullal
■ Koorankali
■ Kurathiyattom
■ Kuravarkali
■ Kurumarkali
■ Kurumbar Nritham
■ Malayikuthu
■ Mankali
■ Mukkanchathan
■ Muttum Viliyum
■ Nadodi Nrittham
■ Naaga Chuttu
■ Naikarkali
■ Nangiarkoothu
■ Nokkuvidya Pavakali
■ Ochirakali
■ Onapottan
■ Othiyattam
■ Ottamthullal
■ Paanakali
■ Pallukali
■ Panchavadyam
■ Pathichikali
■ Pavakoothu
■ Pettathullal
■ Poothamkali
■ Poovirukkam
■ PuliKali
■ Pulluvan Paattu
■ Shastham Paatu
■ Sopanasangeetham
■ Thaalamkali
■ Thacholikali
■ Theyyannam
■ Thiriyuzhichil
■ Thumbithullal
■ Vadyakala
■ Vedan Thullal
■ Urali Thullal
■ Uriyadi
Muslim Art Forms
■ Mappila Paattu
■ Duffmuttu
■ Arabana muttu
■ Oppana
■ Kolkkali
Christian Art Forms
■ Margamkali
■ Chavittunadakam
■ Parichamuttukali
■ Slama Carol
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