Mohiniyattam by AJ - 07BS 864509 Sir William Gage MS

Types of music used to perform the dance

864509_1 — 2025-04-10 18:22:49 UTC

Historically, a music group included a : toppi mandalam (barrel drum)and a veena (long-necked lute). Sometimes a voilin is a subsitute for the veena, and a vocalist. The music that is used is a Carnatic ( South Indian) classical music ensemble.

Clothing, Regalia, Makeup for Mohiniyattam

864509_1 — 2025-04-10 18:39:40 UTC

The costume for Mohiniyattam mostly includes: a white or cream- colored sari with golod borders, with some designs, such as flowers, leaves and peacocks. The blouse is called choli, which complements the sari. The dancers also wear necklaces, earrings, waistbands and anklets. They also wear jasmine flowers, and all of this symbolize a Malayi woman.

Is Mohiniyattam associated with a particular holiday, religious practice, or celebration?

864509_1 — 2025-04-10 19:09:33 UTC

Mohiniyattam is not really associated with any particular holiday or celebration, but it is practiced with anywhere, there is Puranic stories about Mohini (Vishnu) are told.

The Performance style of Mohiniyattam

864509_1 — 2025-04-10 19:25:51 UTC

The movement of the dance circular, controlled and balanced. Typically swaying movements of the uppar torso. There are Mudras like Kathakali and Bharathanatyam but less detailed. Shingara (Love), Bhakti (devotion), and Karuna (sadness) are the commonly used themes in Mohiniyattam, but there is other themes too.

Myths about Mohiniyattam

864509_1 — 2025-04-11 16:28:00 UTC

Most myths about Mohiniyattam is about Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu. Lord Vishnu taking the form of Mohini to seduce demons, specifically Asuras, and reclaim the elixir of immortality. The seductive nature of Mohini and her role in reclaiming the Amrita are reflected in the graceful, delicate movements, and subtle facial expressions of the Mohiniyattam dance.

1709

864509_1 — 2025-04-11 16:34:15 UTC

References of Mohiniyattam can be found in the texts Vyavaharamala written in 1709 by Mazhamagalam Narayanan Namputiri and in Ghoshayatra, written later by poet Kunjan Nambiar.

18th-19th centuries:

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The dance form begins to take shape, influenced by the patronage of the Travancore kings like Karthika Thirunal and Swathi Tirunal, who formalized it into a classical format.

Mid-19th century:

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King Swati Tirunal of Travancore contributes significantly to the dance's revival and systematization.

Late 19th century:

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The dance faces a decline in popularity, partly due to perceived moral impropriety of its erotic elements.

Early 20th century:

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Vallathol Narayana Menon, a poet, re-introduced interest in Mohiniyattam by including it in the program of his Kerala Kalamandalam, a school dedicated to promoting Kerala's classical arts

20th century onwards:

864509_1 — 2025-04-11 17:03:15 UTC

Mohiniyattam is further developed and formalized, with scholars and institutions like the Kerala Kalamandalam contributing to its research and training.

Videos

864509_1 — 2025-04-13 02:17:06 UTC

https://youtu.be/DFYd6gOmqkI?si=jU2S-7BfJ-9rxrEO

Where to learn Mohiniyattam?

864509_1 — 2025-04-14 22:38:40 UTC

One place to Mohiniyattam is Natya Sutra Online. It is a place where you can learn other Indian dances too!

Why is Mohiniyattam important to its people?

864509_1 — 2025-04-14 22:47:03 UTC

Mohiniyattam is special to the people of Kerala because it is a beautiful dance from their homeland. It tells stories about their culture and beliefs through graceful movements and lovely music. When people learn and perform Mohiniyattam, it helps them remember their history and feel proud of their heritage.

Mohiniyattam and Other Dance Forms

864509_1 — 2025-04-16 00:10:47 UTC

The similarities between Mohiniyattam and other Indian dance forms is that they all share the ancient Sanskrit text Natya Shastra. They also share the same music style, and and hand gestures Mudras.

Mohiniyattam Dancers

864509_1 — 2025-04-16 01:16:01 UTC

Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, often called the "mother of Mohiniyattam," played a huge role in bringing this beautiful dance form back. In the early 20th century, Mohiniyattam wasn't as popular as it once was, and she worked hard to give it a strong structure and make it well-known again. She organized the dance steps and movements clearly so that more people could learn and appreciate it. Because of her dedication and hard work, Mohiniyattam is now a respected classical dance of India.