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   MOHINIYATTAM:

 

Mohiniyattam, also spelled Mohiniattam , is a classical dance from Kerala, India. Believed to have originated in 16th century CE,it is one of the eight Indian classical dance forms recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. It is considered a very graceful form of dance meant to be performed as solo recitals by women.
Mohiniyattam was popularised as a popular dance form in the nineteenth century by Swathi Thirunal, the Maharaja of the state of Travancore (Southern Kerala), and Vadivelu, one of the Thanjavur Quartet. Swathi Thirunal promoted the study of Mohiniyattam during his reign, and is credited with the composition of many music arrangements and vocal accompaniments that provide musical background for modern Mohiniyattam dancers

 

 

MAKE UP AND COSTUME :

 

A tall massive brass lamp fed with coconut oil is always there on the stage occupying a pride pf place. The dancer has her face painted in a natural tint with eyebrows and eyes well elongated to heighten her beauty and grace and then there is a large red dot in the centre on the forehead. The costume is always white or cream white comprising a sari with gold border and a matching blouse. The other adornments include various ornaments and ankle bells and a spray of jasmine  flowers in the hair tied into a bun behind the head.

 

MUSIC AND INSTRUMENTS :

 

Mohiniyattam MusicThe style of vocal music for Mohiniattam has generally been seen as classical Carnatic. The lyrics are in Manipravala (a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam). The main musical instrument used in Mohiniattam is Edakka. Even the instruments such as violin, veena and mridangam provide musical accompaniment to the dancers. It has often been said that the movements of the limbs and body of the danseuse of Mohiniyattam should be gentle and graceful like the waves in a calm sea or the swaying of the paddy plants in the field, in a breeze.

 

 

HISTORY:

Mohiniyattam was popularized as a popular dance form in the nineteenth century by Swathi Thirunal, the Maharaja of the state ofTravancore (Southern Kerala), and Vadivelu, one of the Thanjavur Quartet. Swathi Thirunal promoted the study of Mohiniyattam during his reign, and is credited with the composition of many music arrangements and vocal accompaniments that provide musical background for modern Mohiniyattam dancers. The noted Malayalam poet Vallathol, who established the Kerala Kalamandalamdance school in 1930, played an important role in popularizing Mohiniattam in the 20th century.

 

 

 

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