Mohiniattam, Indian Classical Dance

Mohiniattam is one of the major classical dance styles of India. The origin of this traditional dance form of Kerala.

Mohiniattam though born out of the fusion of Kathakali and Bharatnatyam, has developed its own identity.

Origin of Mohiniattam
The first reference to Mohiniattam is found in Vyavaharamala composed by Mazhamangalam Naryanam Namboodiri, assigned to the 16th century A.D. Mohiniattam composed many of the musical arrangements and vocal accompaniments, which are hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu, and provide the musical backdrop for the Mohiniattam dancers’ performance.

History of Mohiniattam
Mohiniattam evolved from the state of Kerala which also has an association with the old tradition of Lasya style of dancing.

The temple sculptures of the state are the earliest manifestations of Mohiniattam or other dance forms similar to it. Mohiniattam poses are also palpable from the various feminine sculptures that adorn the 11th century Vishnu temple at Trikodithanam, and the Kidangur Subramanya Temple.

Type and Theme of Mohiniattam
Mohiniattam is also known as the ‘Dance of the Celestial Female Magicians’.

It also signifies the transformation of Lord Vishnu into a female form and showcases the concept of Ardhanarishvara, which is the combination of the male and female as one. Mohiniattam draws upon secular and social themes rather than religious mythology, the age-old stirring tales from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Indian Puranas.

Style and Technique of Mohiniattam
The distinctive style of Mohiniattam is the complete absence of heavy stamping and rhythmical tension, where the footwork is gentle, soft and sliding. The styles detailed by Bharata Muni in the ancient Indian treatise on dance, Natyashastra, Mohiniattam resembles the Kaisiki type meaning graceful.

Performance of Mohiniattam Dancers
Mohiniattam performances depict love and devotion to God. The spiritual essence of the ethereal love of Lord Krishna and Radha not only coloured Mohiniattam but also glorified it.

Music in Mohiniattam
The main musical instrument used in Mohiniattam is Edakka. Even the instruments such as violin, veena and mridangam provide musical accompaniment to the dancers. The vocal music for Mohiniattam is Carnatic Music. The lyrics composed is a mixture of Sanskrit, Tamil and Malayalam.

Costumes of Mohiniattam Dancers
There is a typical costume for Mohiniattam, which is a mixture of white and gold. It usually consists of a choli and a white, cream or off-white coloured Kasavu sari with a gold or red border.

Mohiniattam Dancers :The first renowned Mohiniattam dancer was Kalyaniamma. She also taught in Shantiniketan. The other notable teachers in Kerala Kala Mandalam were Krishna Paniker and Madhavi Amma.