Mohiniyattam
An Indian Dance Form
Mohiniyattam is also the heir to Devadasi dance heritage like Bharatanatyam, kuchipudi and Odissi. The word "Mohini" literally means a maiden who exerts desire or the heart of the onlooker.
There is the well-known storry of Lord Vishnu taking on the guise of a 'mohini' to enthral people, both in connection with the churning of the milk-ocean and with the episode of the staying of Bhasmasura. Thus it is thought that Vaishnava devotees gave the name of Mohiniyattam of this dance form.
In format, this is similar to Bharatanatyam. The movements are gracefullike Odissi and the costumes sober and attractive. It is essentially a solo dance.
The first reference to Mohiniyattam is found in 'Vyavaharamala' composed by Mazhamangalam narayanan Nambudiri, assigned to the 16th century AD.
In the 19th century Swathy Tirunal, the king of erstwhile Travancore, did much to encourage and stabilize this art form. It was Poet Vallathol who again revived it a status in modern times through Kerala Kalamandalam Kalyaniamma, the first dance teacher of Kalamandalam, was instrumental in resuscitating.
Labels: Indian Dance form, Mohiniyattam
