Kathakali: Kerala’s Elaborate Makeup Dance Drama

Kathakali is an ancient, elaborate classical Indian dance-drama originating from Kerala, renowned for its vibrant facial makeup, intricate costumes, detailed gestures (mudras), and profound storytelling. This sacred art form brings to life epic narratives from Hindu scriptures, serving as a powerful visual exposition of Sanatan Dharma’s deepest philosophical truths and moral lessons.

The Living Scripture: Kathakali as a Conduit of Dharma

Kathakali, literally meaning “story-play,” transcends mere performance; it is a profound spiritual experience, a living exposition of our sacred texts. For centuries, this venerable art form has served as a powerful medium for transmitting the intricate narratives, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical insights embedded within the Itihasas and Puranas to the common devotee. Through its mesmerizing blend of dance (Nritta), drama (Natya), expression (Abhinaya), and music (Sangeetam), Kathakali does not just entertain; it educates, inspires, and elevates the consciousness, making divine stories tangible and relatable. It is a visual Veda, a vibrant tapestry woven with devotion, discipline, and profound artistic acumen, designed to evoke Bhava and Rasa in the audience, bringing them closer to the divine essence of the characters portrayed.

Puranic History and Divine Evolution

The roots of Kathakali delve deep into Kerala’s rich temple traditions, evolving from ancient Sanskrit dramas and local performing arts like Chakiarkoothu, Koodiyattam, Krishnanattam, and Ramanattam. While its formalized structure emerged in the 17th century CE under the patronage of feudal lords and temples, its spiritual lineage traces back to the very origins of dramatic arts described in Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra. The legend recounts how Lord Brahma, at the behest of the Devas, created the Natya Veda by drawing elements from the four Vedas, making performing arts a fifth Veda accessible to all. Kathakali embodies this divine genesis.

Specifically, Krishnanattam, a dance-drama depicting the life of Lord Krishna (as detailed in the Bhagavata Purana), developed by Manaveda, the Zamorin of Calicut in the 17th century, is often considered a direct predecessor. Soon after, Kottarakkara Thampuran, a prince from Kollam, developed Ramanattam, focusing on the stories of Lord Rama from the Ramayana. It was from these traditions that Kathakali crystallized, integrating elements of martial arts (Kalarippayattu) for its distinctive physicality and drawing extensively from the entire spectrum of Hindu mythology – tales of devotion, valor, sacrifice, and cosmic battles from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and various Puranas.

The Scientific Principles of Kathakali Expression

Kathakali is not merely an aesthetic spectacle but a rigorous scientific system for expressing the divine. Every element, from makeup to movement, is meticulously codified and imbued with symbolic meaning, rooted in principles outlined in ancient treatises.

• Vesham (Costume and Makeup): This is perhaps the most striking aspect. The elaborate makeup is a “living iconography,” classifying characters based on their Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) and inherent nature.
  • Pacha (Green): Signifies divinity, heroism, and noble character (e.g., Rama, Krishna, Arjuna). Predominantly Sattvic.
  • Kathi (Knife): Represents arrogance, evil, and villainy, but with elements of Rajas (e.g., Ravana, Duryodhana). Characterized by an upturned red moustache and white knobs on the nose/forehead.
  • Kari (Black): Denotes primitive, wild, and demonic characters (e.g., hunters, forest dwellers, demonesses). Predominantly Tamasic.
  • Thadi (Beard): Three types – Chuvanna Thadi (Red Beard) for vicious, destructive, and often Tamasic anti-heroes; Vella Thadi (White Beard) for revered sages and Hanuman (epitome of Bhakti); and Karutha Thadi (Black Beard) for aboriginals or hunter-gatherers.
  • Minukku (Polished): Used for noble women, sages, and Brahmins, characterized by naturalistic, glowing makeup.

  The laborious Chutti, the white rice-paste border framing the face, is applied with surgical precision, enhancing facial expressions and creating a larger-than-life aura.

• Mudras (Hand Gestures): Kathakali employs an astounding vocabulary of 24 principal mudras, articulated through the Hastālakṣaṇadīpikā, which are combined and sequenced to form thousands of unique meanings. These are not arbitrary but a refined Sanskrit-based sign language, capable of conveying entire dialogues and complex emotions without uttering a word. Each mudra corresponds to specific words, concepts, and divine attributes, making the performance a living visual scripture.
• Navarasas (Nine Emotions): The performers master the nine fundamental human emotions (Śṛṅgāra – love, Hāsya – laughter, Karuṇā – sorrow, Raudra – anger, Vīra – heroism, Bhayānaka – fear, Bībhatsa – disgust, Adbhuta – wonder, Śānta – peace) to convey the nuanced psychological states of their characters, bringing the narratives to profound life.
• Physicality and Kalarippayattu: The intense training, incorporating elements of Kerala’s ancient martial art, Kalarippayattu, endows Kathakali artists with extraordinary flexibility, stamina, and control over every muscle, allowing for dynamic movements and precise control of their entire body as an expressive instrument.

Performance Rituals and Sacred Presentation

A Kathakali performance is not merely a show; it is a sacred offering, a prolonged ritual that spans several hours, often through the night. The elaborate preparatory rituals, known as Pūrvanga, are crucial for consecrating the performance space and invoking divine blessings:

1. Keli: The performance begins with the auspicious drumming of Chenda and Maddalam, announcing the impending sacred drama to the community.
2. Arangukeli: A short musical prelude performed behind the curtain, setting the mood.
3. Thodayam: Two junior artists perform a pure dance behind a curtain (Thirassila), offering prayers to the deities and invoking auspiciousness.
4. Vandana Slokam: Devotional Sanskrit hymns are recited, praising various deities.
5. Purappadu: The grand entrance of the main characters, often a hero and heroine, performing an intricate pure dance, revealing the character’s essential nature and preparing the audience for the story.
6. Melappadam: A musical interlude with singing and drumming, marking the transition to the dramatic part of the performance.
7. It is only after these reverential steps that the main play, the ‘Kathakali’, commences, where the actors enact the story through mudras, abhinaya, and powerful physicality, supported by the vocalist (Ponnani) and secondary singer (Singidi), and the percussionists. Every movement, every beat, and every expression is an offering.

Mantras and Devotional Chants

While Kathakali actors do not chant traditional mantras during the performance, the entire production is imbued with devotional energy through its Sahitya (lyrics) and accompanying music. The songs, predominantly in Manipravalam (a blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit), are essentially poetic renderings of Puranic narratives, serving as extended prayers and invocations. The vocalists sing devotional verses, often starting with a Dhyana Sloka for the deity or character being portrayed, invoking their presence and attributes. For instance, verses from the Narayaneeyam (a devotional poem summarizing the Bhagavata Purana) are frequently adapted into Kathakali plays, making the entire vocal accompaniment a continuous devotional chant. The traditional performance opens with an invocation like:

“Hari śrī gaṇapataye namaḥ avighnamastu śubhamastu”

This translates to: “Salutations to Lord Ganesha, may there be no obstacles, may there be auspiciousness.” Such an opening sets the sacred tone for the entire performance, aligning it with the spiritual purpose of Sanatan Dharma.

Dos and Don’ts for the Sincere Devotee

• Do immerse yourself in the story: Kathakali is deeply symbolic. Reading the synopsis of the play beforehand (Aattakatha) will enhance your appreciation of the intricate narratives and philosophical underpinnings.
• Do appreciate the devotion: Understand that this is more than entertainment; it’s a living tradition of Sanatan Dharma, a spiritual offering.
• Do arrive early: Witness the meticulous makeup process (Chuttikuttal) if possible. It’s a ritual in itself.
• Do maintain silence: During the performance, especially during silent exchanges conveyed through mudras, avoid talking or unnecessary movement to respect the artists and the sacred space.
• Do dress modestly: As you would when visiting a temple, choose attire that reflects reverence for the cultural and spiritual sanctity of the event.
• Don’t interrupt: Avoid applause during the performance, as the flow of ‘Bhava’ and ‘Rasa’ is delicate and continuous. Applaud at the very end.
• Don’t use flash photography: It can be highly disruptive to the performers and other audience members. Seek permission if you wish to photograph without flash.
• Don’t leave midway: A complete Kathakali performance is a journey, and leaving early disrupts the narrative and the spiritual arc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of Kathakali characters (Veshams)?

The main Veshams categorize characters based on their moral and psychological attributes: Pacha (noble/divine), Kathi (villainous but proud), Kari (demonic/primitive), Thadi (bearded, further classified into Red, White, and Black for distinct character traits), and Minukku (gentle, female, or sage-like characters).

How long does Kathakali makeup take?

The elaborate facial makeup, especially the precise application of the ‘Chutti’ (the white frame around the face), can take anywhere from three to six hours, depending on the complexity of the character’s Vesham and the artist’s experience. This process is itself a meditative and sacred ritual for the performer.

Is Kathakali only for entertainment, or does it have a deeper purpose?

Kathakali is far beyond mere entertainment. It serves a profound dharmic purpose: to educate and enlighten. It is a visual representation of Puranic and Epic narratives, imparting moral values, spiritual insights, and philosophical teachings. It evokes Bhakti (devotion) and helps the audience contemplate the interplay of Dharma, Karma, and Moksha, connecting them to the timeless wisdom of Sanatan Dharma. Visit Hindutva.online for more insights into such sacred art forms.

Kathakali: A Preserver of Sanatan Dharma

Kathakali stands as a vibrant, breathing monument to the enduring spirit of Sanatan Dharma. It is a powerful embodiment of our cultural and spiritual heritage, transmitting the profound wisdom of our scriptures through captivating artistry. By preserving and promoting Kathakali, we are not merely safeguarding an art form; we are ensuring the continued resonance of Hindu values, ethics, and mythology across generations. It reminds us that Dharma is not confined to texts alone but lives dynamically in our traditions, our arts, and the very expressions of our devotion.