Mohiniyattam

Almost all the classical dances of Kerala are the preserve of male performers except Mohiniyattam – the dance of celestial enchantress. Mohiniyattam is probably the youngest dance technique which was developed and which subsequently acquired q firm footing in the cultural arena of kerala.

Mohiniyattam is purely a female classical dance of Kerala, which was performed initially in the Temples. It is an accepted theory that it originated from the Devadasi cult. The performers were known as ‘Devadasi’ servants of the deities of the temples from where they received their means of subsistence. In mythology, Mohini was a seductive dancer who could captivate practically any one. Mohiniyattam there fore, can be literally interpreted as the dance of Mohini, the enchantress.

The costume as also determined by this thought and emphasised the female form. The dress is typically Keralite in style and consists of white clothes with gold boarders. The gold ornaments with jasmine flowers that adorn the hair are eye catching and impart an ethereal aura. Most of the component items of Mohiniyattam are similar to Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi, though subtle differences of style are obvious. The language used in the lyrics is a pleasant mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit, known as Manipravalam. Formerly, the Padams were specially composed to include only Sringararasa. Now a days artist are using any classical or semi-classical compositions, even from other language. The real beauty of Mohiniyattam comes through only when mature ladies enact the romantic padams specially written to present the Ashta Nayikas: Swadheena Bharthruka, Khanditha, Abhisarika, Vipralabdha, Kalahandtharitha, Vasakasajja, Proshithabharthruka, Viraholkhanditha.

The accompaniments for Mohiniyattam are Vocal, Veena, Venu, Maddalam and Idakka. Other instruments are also not unusual.Compared with most other dance forms, Mohiniyattam gives more importance to gestural and facial acting. The Mudras (hand gestures) are almost always same as those employed in Kathakali. The artists try to enact the lyrics almost in its entirety, like in Kathakali.

There is evidence to prove that there were professional female dancers in Kerala even in the early Christian era. Even though this is an established fact we don’t have historical records to establish the exact style of dance prevalent at that time. The music employed in Mohiniyattam was exclusively Sopana Sangeetha, which is indigenous to Kerala and is derived from the Vedic chanting practices of the region. It has its own pace, distinct from the other styles of music and it could be easily adapted to accompany dances. It was Maharaja Swathi Thirunal who introduced the use of carnatic music to accompany the dance. According to some, this has had a detrimental affect on Mohiniyattam. This view however is not accepted by every one.

Vivacious, Coquettish and even this dance form – Mohiniyattam is a mature and sophisticated dance form on a par with the historically acknowledged form of true classical stature. It is performed as a solo dance and is very lyrical in its rendering.