Kerala Art and Craft Kerala Art and Craft Works Introduction

• This article is part four of similar articles, the showtime three being on Punjab, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

Lush green fields, bustling rivers, spectacular white sandy beaches with pristine blue waters, dreamy houseboats that canvas in the backwaters, and an abundance of flora and creature in expansive marshlands - all the factors that contribute to the epithet for Kerala: 'God'south Own Country.'

Despite being an ancient land, Kerala is one of the most socially and pedagogically progressive states in India. The people of Kerala: the Malayalis, value their time-honoured arts and traditions. They alive a mod lifestyle classically intertwined with a traditional arroyo. Here is an endeavour to extol the arts, crafts, dance, literature, and ayurvedic traditions of Kerala.

one. Arts & Crafts of Kerala

Kerala is a paradise for the connoisseurs of aesthetics. Its centuries'- onetime art and craft forms have enthralled millions of visitors.

i. Paintings

A painting from Kerala.

Kerala boasts of a unique style of paintings. Floor drawings and paintings in the state are traditionally called 'Kalamezuthu.' Kerala is known for its oil paintings on canvas, among these are the beautiful paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, the greatest artist from Kerala.  Frescos depicting scenes from local traditions and epics are seen on the walls of temples. Many temple walls are adorned with centuries-erstwhile murals that are well-preserved.

ii. Handicrafts

Handicrafts in Kerala range from brass and metal works, wall hangings, coconut trounce products, and gold and silvery jewellery. All these products are artistically embellished past skilled craftsmen.

a. Brass and Metal works

Metallic works from Kerala.

Bell metal - an alloy of tin, copper and brass is moulded into singled-out shapes and sizes to create idols that depict characters and events. One specific issue depicted in bell metal is the Tandava Dance. One can also find several household articles and lamps made of bell metal on display in local markets.

b. Coir and pikestaff products

The cottage manufacture in Kerala boasts of manufacturing coir products. Several household objects such as mats, mattresses, floor furnishings then on are fabricated of coir and pikestaff. Piece of furniture fabricated of cane finds many buyers and is shipped across the land.

c. Sandalwood carvings

The districts of Cochin, Trichur, Tiruvananthapuram, and Ernakulam are famous for articles made of sandalwood. Decor pieces and souvenirs such as jewellery boxes, pen cases, wall hangings, wind chimes, ashtrays, toys, candle stands, miniature models of animals then on made of sandalwood are seen in local markets and at all tourist destinations beyond the state.

two. Dances of Kerala

Performing arts in Kerala contain trip the light fantastic toe, music, and theatre. Kerala features classical dances such as Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Pulikali as well every bit ritualistic form dances like Theyyam, Kummathikkali and Mudiyettu. Read on about the glorious dances.

Folk Dances

a. Kathakali

A Kathakali dancer.

Kathakali, the classical dance form of Kerala is renowned for its elaborate and heavy make-up, costumes, masks, and ornaments. Information technology dates back to the 17th century and presents stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Mahakavi Vallathol Narayan Menon is known to have given Kathakali its nowadays form by establishing the Kerala Kalamandalam, an institution to train people in classical dance forms. Earlier these dance forms were staged only in temples. Vallathol played a major role in bringing them out of the 4 walls of temples and providing opportunities for others (communities and religions) to witness this art form.

Kathakali consists of both nritya (pure dance) and abhinaya (mime). It uses the unabridged body, including the facial muscles, to depict emotion. Earlier it was performed only by men, merely women are increasingly taking to this dramatic dance form.

The characters in Kathakali are Pacha (green-Satwika-heroes), Kari (blackness-villains)and Minukku (female). Characters don either a white or a red beard - Hanuman and the sages wear a white beard, while Baali is seen sporting a blood-red beard. Kathi (means pocketknife) is some other category of villain. The dancer uses his/her interpretation to portray the story that is sung for them, making the dance form one of the nigh magnificent theatres of imagination and creativity.

b. Mohiniattam

A Mohiniattam dancer.

Mohiniattam originated in the state of Kerala. Information technology is a solo female trip the light fantastic toe operation performed by gently swaying the trunk from side to side. The theme of Mohiniattam is rooted in the feminine concepts of shringara and honey. It is believed that Mohiniattam is devoted to the feminine form of Vishnu: Mohini - the enchantress.

The guidelines for paw and arm movements in this trip the light fantastic form are mentioned in the classical text called 'Hastha Lakshandeepika.'

Mohiniattam gradually gained a tainted reputation as the Devdasi system took root in Southern India. However, with social reform and ethical consciousness, the dance class eventually regained its past glory and respect.

In the nineteen^th century, the enlightened ruler of Travancore, Swati Tirunal revived the dance form and encouraged performances with the accompaniment of musical instruments such as the violin, veena, and mridangam. He equanimous approximately fifty padams (verses) replete with scope for abhinaya.

c. Pulikali

Pulikali performance.

Pulikali, likewise known equally Kaduvakali is a traditional folk dance-form of Kerala, near popular in the regions of Palakkad and Thrissur. In Malayalam, Pulikali lierally ways 'play of the tigers.' It was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran most two centuries ago.

Pulikali is performed on the fourth day of Onam. The performers of Pulikali, usually six in a group, have their bodies painted in colours and patterns that represent the tiger, article of clothing tiger masks, and perform a dance which resembles the hunting rituals performed while on a tiger hunt.

The dance comprises scenes such as the tiger catching its prey (offered as bait by the hunters) and crescendo where the tiger is finally defenseless by the hunters. The drummer plays a very important part of this act as the vanquish, rhythm, tempo, and vibrations are provided by the drums.

To see 5 pictures of Pulikali dance at Thrissur

Ritual dances

a. Theyyam

Theyyam performance.

Theyyam, a ritual dance-class performed past a certain community of Kolathunadu surface area of Kerala dates dorsum several grand years. The dance is performed by a dancer referred to every bit Theyyam (corrupt form of deivam means God). People of neighbouring districts revere Theyyam every bit ane would revere God himself, and seek his blessings.

Theyyam is showtime performed without make-up and called Vellaattam. Then with make-up. The performer makes a parikrama of the Temple or the grove in the ancestral dwelling house, then he runs in the courtyard and blesses the family members. Musical instruments, dance steps, vocal recitations, peculiar makeup, and costumes – make Theyyam a visual treat.

b. Mudiyettu

A Mudiyettu functioning.

This traditional ritual trip the light fantastic toe-form is performed to enact the consequence of Goddess Kali killing the demon Darika. This ritual belongs to the Bhadrakali cult prevalent in some parts of Kerala.

Kuruppanmar, a certain set of people, perform this ritual trip the light fantastic in temples called Bhagvati Kavus. These temples are defended to the Mother Goddess.

3. Martial Arts & Sports of Kerala

The Malayalis believe in holistic development of the torso, heed, and soul, and train in martial arts starting right from early babyhood. Martials arts are teamed with rowing competitions which take place during festivals such as Onam and Vishu.

a. Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu.

Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial art forms in the world, originated in Kerala and is a thing of immense pride for the Malayalis. The masters and practitioners of Kalaripayattu believe that this fine art form is well-nigh 1500 years old.

Kalari is an aboriginal identify of learning for subjects such as medicine, philosophy, architecture, astrology, geometry, and martial art. Kalaripayattu literally means the 'fine art of fighting from the land of Kalari' and conceptually means preparation in the art of combat.

The postures and exercises are derived from the science of Yoga and medical treatments are derived from the science of Ayurveda.

b. Parisa Kali

Parisa Kali.

The Parisa Kali martial art class involves rigorous concrete training and knowledge of the use of arms or weapons. It belongs to the Northward Malabar region of Kerala.

c. Velakali

Velakali martial fine art originated in Travancore. Velakali performances portray the archetype battle fought at Kurukshetra betwixt the warring cousins: Pandavas and Kauravas.

It involves enacting both an overview of the entire boxing and individual scenes from the epic battle, detailing the concepts of right and wrong, and reinforcing good deeds over bad deeds. Velakali is usually played out during temple festivals at Cherthala and Amabalapuzha.

The spectacular show put up by Velakali performers at the Shree Padmanabhaswamy temple at Thiruvananthapuram during the ten solar day annual Painkuni temple festival, held in March-April, is visually captivating.

d. Valeru and Kundameru

Among the marital art forms of Kerala, Valeru is unique. The art course, primarily concerned with using swords as a means of combat, involves sword-throwing. Kundameru literally means throwing spikes / spears and entails tightrope walking. Information technology is performed at temple festivals in Kerala during certain seasons only.

In that location are some lesser known martial art forms such as Njaninmel Kali which besides consist of tightrope walking. However, this martial art form is gradually collapsing. Unique acts, postures, and formations from this martial art form are now beingness deployed in circus training in South India. In fact, the Kannur and Thalassery regions of Kerala are now known every bit the 'home of circus in India.'

4. Literary Arts and Cinema

Apart from the regular arts, crafts, dance, music, and civilization of the state, Kerala has a lot to offering in terms of literature and movie theater.

Literature

Malayalam verse, prose, and drama are appreciated the globe over for their universal appeal despite their local Dravidian flavours. Malayalam literature dating back most 1000 years, in addition to its own distinctive charm, has been influenced heavily by languages such as Sanskrit, Arabic, English, French and Portuguese.

It is not surprising to note that Kerala is home to product of not only Malayalam but too Tamil literature, given the geographical proximity of united states of america and the descent of both languages - Malayalam and Tamil.

Some of the noteworthy creations in Malayalam include:

a. Ramacharitham

Poems composed during the beginning 600 years of Malayalam literature are called pattus. The Ramacharitham, composed by Cheeraman in 1198 CE, is a compilation 1814 pattus - a collection of stories from the Yuddha Kanda in Ramayana. While some experts debate nigh Ramacharitham being a Tamil verse, recent enquiry has established that the literary slice is in fact compiled in an aboriginal style of Malayalam.

b. Manipravalam

Manipravalam, literally meaning ruby coral, is a peculiar mixture of Malayalam (mani) and Sanskrit (pravalam). It is widely considered literature of the elite, patronized especially the Nambudiris. Some of the most renowned works belonging to the Manipravalam Schoolhouse of literature include Vaisika Tantram, Achi Chiratams, and Sandesa Kavyas.

c. Niranam Poets

Madhava, Sankara, and Rama Parrikar - three writers resumed and replenished the traditions of conventional, serious-minded poetic craft set upwards past the Cheeraman of Ramacharitham. Influenced past the Bhakti movement, the three writers wrote one of their nearly of import works - Kanassa Ramamyanam.

d. Champus and Krishnagatha

Two parallel schools of literature emerged in the later 15th Century CE - the Champus (influenced by Manipravalam) and Krishnagatha (influenced by pattus). While Champus were essentially a combination of prose and verse, Krishnagatha is the vocal of Krishna composed by the legendary poet by the sobriquet Cherusseri.

Movie house

Since the catamenia of silent Malayalam movies in 1928, the film industry in Kerala has struck a chord with its audiences given their social orientation and relevance. The fourth biggest movie manufacture in Republic of india, Malayalam picture palace goes by the sobriquet of Mollywood (Malayalam + Hollywood).

Known for their realistic and content-driven plots, compelling storylines, and awe-inspiring cinematography, several old and new Malayalam movies have been shortlisted under the 'Best Foreign Language Flick' category at the Academy Awards.

5. Kerala Ayurveda

An Ayurveda Center.

Kerala extends to the world, the gift of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an ancient Vedic arrangement of healthcare and wellness that developed in India roughly about 5000 years ago. It is a scientific discipline of holistically treating the torso, heed, and soul. Overall, Ayurveda is known to offering healthy solutions or long-term handling opportunities for about all the diseases experienced by humankind.

Hence, Ayurveda is known as the Scientific discipline of Life.

Kerala is the perfect place for the enrichment of Ayurveda owing to a tropical climate and a cool, soothing monsoon which lasts approximately 5 months, which in turn foster the growth of its rich, dumbo forests teeming with herbs and medicinal plants. Medically strong ingredients and oils are extracted from these medicinal plants and are offered to those who wish to avail of them – in different Ayurvedic handling and massage plans and packages.

These handling solutions and massage therapies are verified and certified by medical authorities and are offered past Ayurvedic centres across the state. Ayurvedic centres today combine the practices of Ayurveda, Unani and Naturopathy to effectively codify customised packages for anybody.

It is incredible how Kerala has retained, preserved, and enhanced this glorious tradition and ancient science of Ayurveda.

The people of Kerala are intelligent, warm, progressive, and hospitable to say the least. They demonstrate immense respect for the wholesome essence of life.

To read similar articles about other states -

1. Maharashtra

2. Punjab

3. Rajasthan

Too read

1. Ayurveda courses at the Sivananda Yog Ashram Kerala

2. Poomully Mana – Habitation to pristine Ayurvedic remedy

3. Sabarimala is as well connected to Tamil culture

four. The all women festival in Kerala is Attukul Pongala

5. Kerala's outstanding women

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Source: https://www.esamskriti.com/e/Culture/Dance/Arts,-Crafts,-Dance,-Literature,-and-Ayurvedic-Traditions-of-Kerala-1.aspx

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