Chakyar Koothu

Since it was traditionally performed only by the Chakyar community of Kerala, Koothu is also known as Chakyar Koothu. Koothu is performed based on Sanskrit texts called 'Chambhus'. The themes of these are stories from the Puranas and Epics. Acting and dialogue have equal place in Koothu. Both are performed by the same person. Chakyar Koothu can be said to be a Purana story-telling performed by a Chakyar with humor and sarcasm. The method of Koothu is to elaborate and interpret the prose and verses of Chambu Prabandhas. Suitable stories and anecdotes are added as a supplement. Meanwhile, social criticism is also made in an appropriate context. It may also be made fun of by pointing out someone who is watching the Koothu. Chakyar has had the freedom to do all this since ancient times. The most important flavor of Koothu is humor.

The main instrument in Chakyar Kooth is the Mizhau. The Mizhau was played by those belonging to the Nambiar community. The Mizhau Kotti was used to inform the audience that the Koothu was about to begin. After that, the actor would enter. The Chakyar's performance would be from behind the lamp lit on the stage. When the actor enters the stage, the first thing to do is a dance called 'Chari'. Then, there is an act that is imagined to purify the body. This is called 'Vidushakastobham'. After that, 'Ishtadevastuthi' and 'Peeedika Parachil' ceremonies are performed. Only after that, the Kooth begins. Chakyar Kooth is performed in a special way.

PSC Questions

1. An art form performed in temples as a part of Koodiyattam and separate from Koodiyattam - Koothu

2. Musical instrument used for Koothu and Koodiyattam - Mizhav

3. Instrument played by Chakyar for Koothu - Mizhav

4. Who plays the main instrument of Chakyar Koothu - Nambiar and Nangiar respectively

5. What is another name for Chakyar Koothu because it provides information about the purusharthas of artham, kamam and moksha - Purushartha Koothu

6. Style followed by the art form of Koothu - Ekanga Abhinaya style

7. In which art form did Mani Madhava Chakyar gain fame - Chakyar Koothu

8. Which temple in Kerala is the place where the temple art of 'Matthavilasam Koothu' is performed without interruption - Karivellur Shiva Temple

9. Koothu is performed by - In the Koothu tharas or Koothambalam

10. Women of the Chakyar community who dress up as women in Koodiyattam - Nangyar

11. What is the name of the Koothu performed by the Nangyar people - Nangyar Kooth

12. The instrument played by the Nangyar - Kuzhithalam

13. A simplified form of Koothu - Pathakam

14. An art form performed without the accompaniment of musical instruments - Pathakam

15. Pathakam is performed by - Nambiar