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Arts
& Culture - Kerala
KALARIPAYATTU
Kalaripayattu
is the traditional 11th century martial art form of
Kerala. It is said to be the forerunner of oriental martial arts
like kung-fu and karate. It follows a system as specialised and as
intricate as the Ju-jitsu of the Japanese.
Kalari
is an academy where training in all kinds of combat is given. The
principles of Kalari education stipulate that training in martial
arts begins with an oil massage of the body which goes on until the
body is agile and supple. Feats like chattom (jumping), ottam
(running), marichil (somersault) etc. are then taught, followed by
lessons in the use of weapons such as the sword, the spear, the
mace, the bow and arrow and so on.
Kalaripayattu
training aims at the ultimate co-ordination of mind and body. The
traditional training in a Kalari includes specialisation in
indigenous medical practices too. Kalaris are also centres of
religious worship. The general guidelines to be followed in
Kalaripayattu demand that once the course is complete, a person
should undergo oil massage and engage in the practice of the feats
at least once a year. This will help him to keep in shape and to
easily overcome enemy attacks.
BHARATA
NATYAM
It is believed to be
India’s oldest form of classical dance. This dance form which is
called poetry in motion, has its hoary origins in the Natya Sastra
written about 4000 B.C. by Sage Bharatha. This art form grossly
disallows new fangled innovations or gimmicks except in repertoire
and forms of presentation. It was originally known as ‘Dasi Attam,’
a temple art performed by young women
called ‘devadasis.’
After the 16th
century, this dance form went into disrepute due to economic and
social conditions and became synonymous with prostitution. It was
Rukmini Devi who gave it a new life and respectability. The present
form was evolved in the 19th century by four Tanjore
dancers, Ponniah Pillai and his three brothers.
To become proficient in
Bharatha Natyam, one must be talented and extremely dedicated. It
requires at least seven years of dedicated training to master the
different gestures and poses and the various emotions called ‘bhavas.’
The skill of the artist in conveying the ‘bhava’ or ‘rasa’
is more important to the audience than the accompanying song.
Bharatha Natyam is
commonly performed by women, but sometimes by men also. There are
strict guidelines laid down regarding every single aspect of the art
including the attributes required in order to be an accomplished
dancer.
Arts
& Dance - Kerala
Koodiyattam
|| Mohiniyattam || Velakali ||
Thiruvathirakali || Kaliyoottu
Kanniyarkali
|| Kavadiyattam || Kolkali ||
Kalaripayattu
Bharathanatyam
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