PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Kerala
Explanation
Kathakali is one of the eight major classical dances of India. It originated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The word 'Katha' means story and 'Kali' means play or performance. It is distinguished by the elaborately colorful make-up and heavy costumes worn by the artists. The themes of Kathakali are generally drawn from Hindu epics like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and various Puranas.
Key Points
- > Kathakali is a traditional classical dance form from Kerala.
- > The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes 8 classical dances in India.
- > In Kathakali, makeup color denotes character type (e.g., green for noble characters/gods).
- > Another recognized classical dance from Kerala is 'Mohiniyattam'.
- > Famous Kathakali exponents include Kalamandalam Gopi and Rita Ganguly.
- > The dancers do not speak; the story is enacted purely through hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions.
- > The vocal music uses 'Manipravalam', a blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit.
Additional Information
Classical Dances of India
| Dance Form | Origin State | Famous Exponent |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatanatyam | Tamil Nadu | Rukmini Devi Arundale |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh | Pt. Birju Maharaj |
| Kathakali | Kerala | Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh | Yamini Krishnamurthy |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala | Hema Malini |
Memory Tips
- State Match: 'K' for Kathakali = 'K' for Kerala.
- Kathak vs Kathakali: Kathak is from North India (UP), whereas Kathakali is from South India (Kerala) and involves elaborate face masks/makeup.