Mohiniyattam: Origin History, Dance Style, and Features

Context

Recently,the Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for arts and culture, has lifted gender restrictions to learn Mohiniyattam.

About Mohiniyattam

• Origins: Mohiniyattam dance derives its name from the word ‘Mohini’, a female incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Its roots date back to the age-old Sanskrit Hindu text on performing arts called ‘Natya Shastra’.
• Dance Form: Mohiniyattam is an Indian classical dance form that evolved in the state of Kerala.
• History:  At a time when the Devadasi tradition was prevalent in many parts of south India, Mohiniyattam used to be performed by Devadasis (temple dancers) in temples, during the rule of the Chera kings from 9th to 12th C.E. 
  • This dance form also has elements of other performing art forms of Kerala viz. Koothu and Kutiyattam in it.
• References in Historical Texts: References of Mohiniyattam can be found in the texts Vyavaharamala written in 1709 by Mazhamagalam Narayanan Namputiri and in Ghoshayatra, written later by great poet Kunjan Nambiar.
• Patronage of Various Rulers: The initiation and patronage of the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, a poet and brilliant music composer, in the early 19th century saw the eventual development and systematization of present day Mohiniyattam.

Features of Mohiniyattam Dance

• Solo Performance: It is typically a solo dance performed by female artists.      
• Feminine form of Dancing: It follows the Lasya style, which features a more elegant, gentle, and feminine manner of dancing.     
• Emoting through Dancing and Singing: It emotes a play through dance and singing, with the song traditionally in Manipravala, a combination of Sanskrit and Malayalam.
• Carnatic Music: The dancer or vocalist may perform the recitation, which is set to Carnatic music.      
• Dance Movements: The dance is distinguished by its gentle swaying body movements, which lack sharp jerks or quick leaps. The motions are emphasized by glides, up and down movement on toes, and are heavily dependent on the skill of balance.
• Hand Gestures: The emphasis is on hand gestures and Mukhabhinaya, or subtle face expressions, rather than footwork. The 24 hand motions are primarily based on the literature ‘Hastha Lakshana Deepika’, which Kathakali follows.
• Costumes: Mohiniyattam costumes feature a basic white or ivory cream traditional sari embellished with dazzling gold-laced brocade.
• Musical Instruments: Musical instruments include the Mridangam, Madhalam, ldakka, flute, Veena, and Kuzhitalam (cymbals).

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