Indian Classical Dances - Kuchipudi and Kathakali

Indian Classical Dances

There are 8 different forms of Indian Classical dances.

1. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
2. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
3. Kathakali (Kerala)
4. Kathak (Uttar Pradesh)
5. Odissi (Odisha)
6. Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
7. Sattriya (Assam)
8. Manipuri (Manipur)

Kuchipudi

• Region - Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
• Evolution of Kuchipudi
• Features of Kuchipudi
• Some of the famous proponents of Kuchipudi

Evolution of Kuchipudi -

• This dance form is emerged from Andhra Village of Kuchelapuram or Kusselvapuri.
• A group of male dancers were performing on Hindu religions. They move from one village to another. These dancers came to be known as Kusselavas.
• During neo-vaishnavite period, the dance form was monopolised by male brahmins of Andhra who started to perform on the themes of Bhagwat Purana. These dancers came to be known as Bhagwatalus.
• Later the dance form was patronised by Vijayanagar rulers and the rulers of Golkonda.
• In the modern times, it was revived by Bala Saraswati.

Features of Kuchipudi 

1. Kuchipudi represents the elements of Earth in the body which is reflected from the themes of Kuchipudi.
2. The very first step of Kuchipudi is Daru whereby all the character reveals themselves on the stage one by one and finally, they collectively invocate the god.
3. Kuchipudi placed very high emphasis on Shringar Ras.
4. Many a time dancers also take up the role of the singer while dancing.
5. Though it started as a group dance, there are many popular solo elements in Kuchipudi which are as follows:
1. Manduka Shabdam - In this solo performance, story of frog is narrated.
2. Tarangam - It is a special performance in Kuchipudi whereby dancers keep their tor on the edges of brass plate while balancing a water pitcher on the head and a set of lit diyas in hand.
3. Tala Chitra Natyam - In this performance dancers create rangoli (with their feet) on stage while dancing.
6. It started as a male preserve but later females also started to practice it.
7. One of the most popular theme of Kuchipudi is Bhama Kalpam (Story of Satyabhama demanding Parijat tree).
8. Carnatic classical music is used during the performance.

Tarangam Plate dance

Tala Chitra Natyam

Famous proponents/personalities related to Kuchipudi 

1. Raja and Radha Reddy
2. Yamini Krishna Murty
3. Kiran Sehgal

Kathakali

• Region - Kerala
• Evolution of Kathakali
• Features of Kathakali
• Some of the famous proponents of Kathakali

Evolution of Kathakali 

• The word 'Kathakali' is derived from Sanskrit words 'Katha' which means story and 'Kali' which means drama.
• Initially, this dance form was practiced in the traditional theatres of Kerala. For example - Ramanyattam, Krishnyattam, Koothiyattam, Chakirakoothu, etc.
• Later on it was branched off from the theatres and became a separate classical dance.
• In the contemporary time, it was revived by Malayali poet V.N. Menon.

Features of Kathakali 

1. The essence of this dance form is Mahabharata and Ramayana where the victory of good over evil is depicted.
2. Kathakali performance always happens in open environment under the sky. It highlights the importance of sky element in the body.
3. It is considered as 'The ballot of the East'.
4. It employs wide usage of facial expression. It is noted for varied use of eyes and eyebrows to represent different kinds of emotion.
5. The facial makeup is of utmost importance and the colour highlights 3 different types of character.
• Green Colour - It indicates Satvik Character, i.e., nobility, divinity, virtue, etc.
• Red Colour - It indicates Rajashik Character related to royalty, luxury, etc.
• Black Colour - It indicates Tamshik Character which is evil, wickedness, etc.
6. The regional music of Kerala, Sopana is used during the performance, where following musical instruments were used - Chenda, Maddala, Iddakka, Sankhu, etc.

Famous proponents/personalities related to Kathakali 

1. Guru Kunchu Kurup
2. Rita Ganguly

Previous Article - Bharatnatyam

Next Article - Mohiniyattam and Odissi

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Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own. 

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