Sacred Dance of India

Author(s): Mrinalini Sarabhai
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

Page 16

Kathakali and Other Forms
In Kerala, more than anywhere else, the historical evolution of the dance linked to drama from earliest primitive ritual to majestic symbolism, is clearly perceived The land of the hills, Malayalam also known as 'Kerala', still remains amazingly inviolate in spite of many religious sects having sought Iefuge in this region Amidst the lush beauty of dazzling green paddy fields, the mysterious landscape of dark forests, with sea and river waters lashing into the lands, the Malayalee lives close to nature, expecting and accepting the good and evil forces of Life Acts of propitiation, ceremonies to appease tribal Gods, and the spirits of ancestors he has forgotten or neglected, pujas to prevent illness and unhappiness, expressions of man's fear and superstition became through the centuries traditional forms of great artistic beauty
On the plains dwelt the Nayadıs and Pariahs, the Malayas and Vettuvārs, all aboriginals with their own attitudes and mysterious ceremonies In the fields the Cheruman, the Kanakkan found harmonious articulation in song and dance
One of the earliest dances to the Goddess Bhagawati (Kālı), was the Pana or Kālu Nātakam, relating the stories of Kālı Muttryetu is perhaps the most dramatic of the Kālı worship dances A replica of the Goddess, in her most terrifying form, is first worshipped in front of the temple and then taken in procession The drama begins with the episode of Narada relating to Shiva the havoc that is being caused by the Rakshasa, Daruka, on earth A tremendous fight between Kāli and Daruka ensues, till Kāli triumphantly kılls the demon and places his crown upon her own head It is interesting to note that Daruka, as he is dying realises that Kāli is Shiva's daughter and 16 overjoyed to die at her hands, for he is a worshipper of Shiva himself
In ancient days, the forest-dwellers carved figures out of wood, stone and metal, and worshipped them in order to drive out all evil from their lives Powerful among the evil spirits was Kuttichathan, and he was greatly feared The Therayattam danced to appease and propitiate the deities of the household and kshudra devatas (evil spirits) is another dance where the
Kathakali
"Nala Damayanti'-Mrinalını Sarabhai