Mohiniyattam: Kerala's Enchanting Feminine Classical Dance Tradition

The Dance of the Divine Enchantress

Mohiniyattam is one of the eight classical dance forms of India, originating from Kerala. The name 'Mohiniyattam' is derived from 'Mohini,' the female avatar of Lord Vishnu, and 'Attam,' meaning graceful dance. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu took the form of the enchanting Mohini to distribute the nectar of immortality during the churning of the cosmic ocean. Mohiniyattam therefore embodies the concept of divine feminine enchantment and grace. This solo dance tradition is characterized by its gentle, flowing movements, subtle facial expressions, and emphasis on emotional expression over technical virtuosity. Unlike the more vigorous Kathakali, which shares its geographical origin, Mohiniyattam is defined by its feminine elegance and lyrical quality.

The Historical Background

The origins of Mohiniyattam can be traced to the temple dances of Kerala, particularly those performed by women in the service of temples. The dance form flourished during the reign of the Chera kings and later received patronage from the princely states of Travancore and Cochin. Historical records and literary references suggest that Mohiniyattam existed as a distinct dance tradition as early as the sixteenth century. However, like many classical dance forms, it faced decline and social stigma during the British colonial period. The revival of Mohiniyattam in the early twentieth century was largely due to the efforts of poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, who founded the Kerala Kalamandalam in 1930.

Mohiniyattam is often described as the dance of 'Lasya,' the graceful aspect of the divine feminine. Every movement in Mohiniyattam is soft, circular, and flowing, like a gentle breeze caressing the earth. The dance embodies the ideal of feminine beauty and grace as conceived in Indian aesthetics.

The defining characteristic of Mohiniyattam is its emphasis on graceful, circular movements. The basic stance involves a slight swaying of the upper body from side to side, creating undulating movements that flow like waves. The footwork is gentle, with the feet barely leaving the ground, creating an impression of gliding. The facial expressions are subtle and refined, focusing on conveying the 'Sringara' rasa or the emotion of love in its various manifestations. The eye movements are particularly important, with dancers using delicate glances and sidelong looks to express emotions.

The Performance Repertoire

A traditional Mohiniyattam performance begins with 'Cholkettu,' an invocatory piece that serves as a warm-up and establishes the rhythmic framework. This is followed by 'Varnam,' the centerpiece of the performance, which combines pure dance movements with expressive storytelling. 'Padams' are lyrical compositions where the dancer interprets the poetry through facial expressions and gestures, typically dealing with themes of divine love and devotion. The performance concludes with a 'Tillana,' a vibrant pure dance piece that showcases rhythm and movement. The themes are predominantly devotional, focusing on Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, and the love of the Gopis.

• Mohiniyattam dancers wear distinctive white or cream-colored sarees with golden borders
• The costume includes traditional Kerala jewelry including the Kasumala (gold coin necklace) and Poothali (necklace)
• Performers wear ghungroo but the bells are smaller than those used in other classical dance forms
• The musical accompaniment includes the Idakka (drum), Veena, Flute, and Mridangam

Contemporary Mohiniyattam

In the contemporary period, Mohiniyattam has gained recognition as a major classical dance form with a global presence. The Kerala Kalamandalam continues to be the primary institution for training, but numerous independent schools and gurus have emerged, each contributing to the evolution of the dance form. Modern choreographers experiment with new themes while respecting the traditional aesthetics of Mohiniyattam. The dance form has been featured in international festivals and has drawn students from around the world. Despite its evolution, Mohiniyattam retains its essential character as a dance of feminine grace and devotion, enchanting audiences with its subtle beauty and lyrical movements.

The Music and Compositions of Mohiniyattam

The musical repertoire of Mohiniyattam draws from the classical Carnatic tradition with specific adaptations for the dance form. The compositions are typically set to 'Adi tala' (eight-beat cycle) and 'Rupaka tala' (six-beat cycle), with melodic structures that emphasize graceful, flowing phrases. The 'Padam' compositions, which form the core of Mohiniyattam's expressive repertoire, are love poems that use the metaphor of human love to express devotion to the divine. The lyrics are in Malayalam, Manipravalam (a blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit), and Sanskrit. The compositions of Swati Tirunal, the nineteenth-century ruler-composer of Travancore, are particularly important in the Mohiniyattam repertoire. The singer is accompanied by the 'Idakka' (hourglass drum), 'Mridangam' (barrel drum), 'Veena' or 'Violin' for melody, and 'Chengala' (gong) for rhythm. The music and dance are seamlessly integrated, with the dancer's movements flowing in harmony with the melodic and rhythmic contours of the music.

Costume and Jewelry in Mohiniyattam

The costume of Mohiniyattam is distinctive among classical Indian dance forms for its elegance and restraint. The dancer wears a white or cream-colored saree with a gold border, known as 'Kasavu' saree, which is the traditional attire of Kerala. The white color symbolizes purity and simplicity, reflecting the dance's emphasis on grace over ostentation. The jewelry includes the 'Kasumala' (gold coin necklace), 'Nagapadam' (serpent-hood shaped necklace), 'Poothali' (beaded necklace), and 'Kuzhal' (ear ornaments). The hair is adorned with fragrant flowers, typically jasmine, arranged in a traditional style. The dancer wears 'Ghungroo' (ankle bells), but these are smaller than those used in other classical dance forms, producing a softer sound that suits the gentle movements of Mohiniyattam. The overall aesthetic is one of understated elegance, with the costume enhancing rather than overshadowing the dancer's movements and expressions.