Mohiniyattam

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Context (TH): Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned institution for arts and culture, has taken a historic step by allowing boys to learn Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form traditionally associated with females.

Mohiniyattam is a traditional Indian dance form from Kerala. It is named after Mohini, the female avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Like most other classical Indian dances, Mohiniyattam’s roots can be traced back to Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra.
It was initially performed by Devadasis (temple dancers) in Kerala during the reign of the Chera kings (9th to 12th centuries CE).

Further development of Mohiniyattam occurred during the 18th and 19th centuries with patronage from princely states.
Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Travancore, significantly contributed to its development and systematization in the early 19th century.
Mohiniyattam is primarily a solo dance performed by female artists, characterized by graceful, gentle, and feminine movements known as Lasya.
It combines dancing and singing, often featuring Manipravala songs blending Sanskrit and Malayalam.
Music for Mohiniyattam is typically Carnatic, with dancers or vocalists performing the recitation.
The dance is known for its smooth and fluid body movements, avoiding abrupt jerks or leaps.
It emphasizes hand gestures and subtle facial expressions (Mukhabhinaya) over footwork, with 24 hand gestures derived from the ‘Hastha Lakshana Deepika’.
Mohiniyattam costumes usually consist of plain white or ivory cream saris adorned with bright gold-laced brocade.
Musical accompaniments include instruments like the Mridangam, Madhalam, Idakka, flute, Veena, and Kuzhitalam (cymbals).