Kerala has a rich tradition in the field of art. Kerala is considered as one of the states with a rich and diversified cultural background, the state of Kerala is well known for its love of arts. There are many art training colleges and schools in Kerala. Kerala's rich heritage is clear from its cultural background. There are many art forms which dates back to the ancient times. The Kerala art forms has a great importance in the Indian culture. Kerala got it's cultural heritage from the Dravidian culture, Kerala was a part of Tamilakam during the 10th century, Kerala has a blend of Dravidian and Aryan culture.
Kathakali is a classical Indian dance drama which was originated in the 16th century, it has male and female actors in it, the main attraction of Kathakali is its costume which is very colourful, it is an art form which tells traditional Hindu stories in the form of a dance drama. The facial expressions are given importance in this art form.
Kalarippayattu - Kerala's Martial Arts
The important martial art form of Kerala is Kalarippayattu, it is one of the most oldest martial art known in the whole world, it was used during the war between the Cheras and Cholas. It is a martial art which includes It includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods.
Koodityattom
Koodityattom is another art form in which 'chakyar' is the main actor, he usually tell stories in the form of music, dance and drama, it is performed inside the Koothambalam, it is a ritualistic art form of attam and koothu.
Ottamthullal is another important art form in which there is only one actor who wears colourful costumes and who acts dance and sing by himself in which he is representing an artist in the storyplay. it is also known as 'poor mans Kathakali'.
Mohiniyattam is one of the eight classical art forms in India, the name specifies the dance of a women, the dance form is especially meant for women. The name Mohiniyattam means 'dance of enchantress', the dance has influence of Kathakali and Bharathanattyam.
Theyyam -- Dominant art form in Malabar
Another important art form is Theyyam which reflects the tribal culture, it is an art form which is a popular ritual Hindu worship.
Margam kali - An ancient Christian Art Form
Margam kali is a popular round group dance, it is a dance form of Saint Thomas Christians, it is peformed in a circular manner in which there are about 10 artists, it came into existence before the arrival of the Portugal missionaries. It is known as the path to attain salvation and denotes ones conversion into Christianity.
Oppana - Kerala Muslim's Major Art form
Oppana is a part of the wedding celebrations of Muslims, about 10 to 15 women dance together singing Mappilapattu. The bride sits at the center with all the wedding costumes and the group of dancers dance circling the bride using simple steps.
Another main attraction is the Panchvadyam which means orchestra of five instruments, the instruments include timila, maddalam, ilathalam and idakka which are percussion instruments and kombu which is a wind instrument, these instruments are played in a varying manner like increasing and decreasing the tempo often.
Kerala Irrigation
Dams In Kerala
