Koodiyattam

Mani Madhava Chakyar and his troop performing Thoranayudham koodiyattam ( 1962- Chennai). Mani Madhava Chakyar as Ravana, Mani Neelakandha Chakyar as Hanuman, Mani Damodara Chakyar as Vibhishana& PKG Nambiar as Bhata. It was the first Koodiyattam outside Kerala.

Koodiyattam is a traditional performing artform from Kerala, India. Recognised by UNESCO as a Human Heritage Art, this form of Sanskrit drama is considered to be at least 2000 years old.

Mani Madhava Chakyar in one of his most celebrated role, as Ravana, at the age of 89.

It was Mani Madhava Chakyar who took Koodiyattam outside Koothambalams of Hindu temples and revolutionised it. He was the first one to teach Koodiyattam to non Chakyar caste members.

Mani Damodara Chakyar as Nayaka- hero, (King Udayana) in Swapnavasavadattam

Chakyar and Nangyarammas

Traditionally, Koodiyattam is presented by "Chakyars" (a sub caste of Kerala Hindus) and "Nangyarammas" (women of Ambalavasi Nambiar caste). The name 'Koodiyattam' (combined dance form) suggests the that its a combined performance of Chakkyar and Nangyar. Traditionally Mizhavu and of late Idakka are the two musical instruments used in Koodiyattam performances.

Chakyar is the main actor who performs the ritualistic Koothus and Koodiyattams inside the temple or in Koothambalams. Their women- Illotammas are not allowed to participate in that. The female roles are done by ladies of Ambalavasi Nambiar community called Nangyarammas. Ambalavasi Nambiar plays the holy drum Mizhavu. Nangyarammas accompany Nambiars Mizhavu with kuzhithalam also.

Books

Kulasekhara Varma Cheraman Perumal, an ancient King of Kerala is known as the creator of Koodiyattam in the present form, and his "Aattaprakaram" is considered as the most authoritative publication on the art form. Another reference would be "Nātya Shāstra" by Bharata Muni.Natyakalpadrumam is the authoritative award winning book on Koodiyattam and is written by legendary Guru Natyacharya Vidushakaratnam Padmasree Mani Madhava Chakyar, who was the greatest Koodiyattam performer of all time.

Mani Madhava Chakyar

Mani Madhava Chakyar (1899-1991) the doyen of Koodiyattam

The great Guru (Master) of Koodiyattam is late Natyacharya Vidushakaratnam Padmasree Mani Madhava Chakyar. He was the actor of supreme kind famous for his extra ordinary mastery over ( Rasa abhinaya ) with special reference to Netrābhinaya. It was he who revolutionised it by taking it outside Hindu temples.

He choreographed and directed plays like Kalidasa's Abhijñānaśākuntala, Vikramorvaśīya and Mālavikāgnimitra ; Bhasa's Swapnavāsadatta and Pancharātra for the first time in the history of Koodiyattam.

File:Mani Madhava Chakyar Award.jpg

Mani Madhava Chakyar receiving Central sangeet Natak Academy Award from Dr.S Radhakrishnan - the President of India, on 1964. It was the first national award to a Koodiyattam - Chakyar koothu artist.

His disciple and nephew Mani Damodara Chakyar is also a renowned Koodiyattam performer, who is an exponent of traditional devotional Koodiyattams, such as Anguliyanka, Mattavilasa Prahasana, Mantranka, Ezhamanka ( seventh act of Ascharyachoodamani).

References

• Natyakalpadrumam , by Mani Madhava Chakyar,1975.

See also

• Mani Madhava Chakyar
• Arts of Kerala
• Koothu
• Kathakali
• Mohiniyattam
• Thulall
• Chakyar
• Nambiar
• Mani Damodara Chakyar

External links

• Cyberkerala Koodiyattam Page
• Mykerala Koodiyattam Page
• order Natyakalpadrumam

---