Koodiyattam

Koodiyattam is a theatrical performance of the people of Kerala. The name Koodiyattam is derived from the word 'Koodiyattam'. Koodiyattam means dance, acting with dance. This was a temple art performed only by the Chakyar and Nambiar communities. The acting and presentation in the Kooth is done by the same person. But that is not the case in Koodiyattam. Various characters come into the scene in different 'roles'. Angikabhinai using hand gestures and Sattvikabhinai based on Navarasams are the specialties of Koodiyattam.

In Koodiyattam, characters like Soorpanakha, Vidushaka, and Shanthikaran speak in Malayalam and other characters speak in Sanskrit. 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. Koodiyattam is traditionally performed by Chakyans. Those who perform the female role in Koodiyattam are called Nangyar. The instrument called Mizhav is used as a musical accompaniment for Koodiyattam. Training for Koodiyattam is provided at Kalamandalam (Cheruthuruthy) and Margi (Thiruvananthapuram).

Famous Koodiyattam artists

■ Padmasree Ammannur Madhavachakyar

■ Ammannur Chachuchakyar

■ Padmasree Mani Madhavachakyar

■ Painkulam Ramanchakyar

■ Ammannur Parameswara Chakyar

■ Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar

■ Moozhikulam Kochukuttan Chakyar

■ Margi Madhu

■ Margi Sati

■ Margi Narayanan

■ Usha Nangyar

PSC Questions

1. Which is the world famous ancient Sanskrit drama system of Kerala - Koodiyattam

2. The first Indian dance form to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - Koodiyattam (2001)

3. As a 'great traditional art of humanity' Koodiyattam is described by - UNESCO

4. The oldest performing art form in India today - Koodiyattam

5. The art form known as the 'mother of acting' and the 'grandmother of arts' - Koodiyattam

6. The founder of Koodiyattam is - Ammannur Madhavachakyar

7. The main decorations of Koodiyattam - Facial hair, crown, shirt, and clothes

8. Guru Mani Madhavachakyar's work on Koodiyattam - Natyakalpadrumam

9. The number of days required to perform Koodiyattam, one of the most ancient Sanskrit drama forms - 41 days

10. The only character in Koodiyattam who has the right to speak in Malayalam - Vidushakan

11. In which language do the female characters in Koodiyattam speak - Prakrit

12. Koodiyattam is performed by - Chakyar (male character), Nangyar (female character)

13. Stage in the temple premises for performing Koodiyattam - Koothambalam

14. Temples in Kerala that perform Koodiyattam every year - Koodalmanikya Temple (Irinjalakuda), Vadakkumnath Temple (Thrissur)

15. Institution that provides facilities for learning and further studies in Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Nangyarkoothu etc. - Margi

16. Margi's headquarters - Thiruvananthapuram