Lying at the south-western tip of India, the state of Kerala has a distinct cultural identity of its own. It is a land of festivals and unique art forms that have evolved over the ages, into sublime expressions of man’s fundamental yearnings and aspirations.

Koodiyattam, which literally means “combined dance form”, is one of the most highly sophisticated dance forms of Kerala. At least 2000 years old, this stylized art is the oldest classical dramatic genre in the world, predating Kathakali and even the Japanese Kabuki. It is held that Kulasekhara Varma Cheraman Perumal, a king of ancient Kerala structured Koodiyattam in its present form; his “Aattaprakaram” explicates vividly the various modes of presenting this emotive and often complex art.

Like Koothu, another popular dance form in Kerala, Koodiyattam is traditionally performed by chaakyaars at Koothambalam, a specialized theatre within the precincts of a temple, adjacent to the sanctum sanctorum. The female roles were portrayed by nangyars (women of nambiar community). This emotive art of stylised postures was declared a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO.

A typical Koodiyattam performance is usually staged in front of a lit lamp – nilavilakku- and is based on episodes from the Ramayana, the Mahabaratha or the Puranas. Players also draw inspiration from the ancient Sanskrit plays of Bhasa, Harsha, Kalidasa, Maendravikrama and Saktibhadra.