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Kerala, one of the most idyllic states of India,
lies to the extreme southwest of Indian peninsula.
It is flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and
the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats on the
east. The state can be divided into hills,
valleys, midland plains and coastal belts. Formed
in the year 1956, it has 14 districts with
Thiruvananthapuram as its capital.
Kerala, India is known for its folk art forms and
classical dance forms that form an integral part
of the traditions and culture of Kerala, India.
Some of the popular classical dance forms that
form a part of the traditions of Kerala, India are
Chakyarkoothu, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam and
Kathakali.
Chakyarkoothu happens to be one of the important,
ancient and traditional art forms of Kerala,
India. This art form is popularly called the
koothu and is one of the oldest forms of classical
theater art forms in Kerala, India. This art form
is usually performed in the various temple
premises and any such performance begins with an
invocation to the local deity of the particular
temple.
Bharatanatyam is one of the most popular classical
art forms in Kerala, India and is an integral part
of the culture and tradition of Kerala, India.
Women have always performed this dance form. In
fact this dance form was traditionally performed
by the devadasi\'s and this art form was basically
a temple art form.
Kathakali is a spectacular art form that was
traditionally performed by men. This art form is
usually performed during all the popular festivals
of Kerala, India. Kerala, India being a lush green
and naturally beautiful state has a rich tradition
of worshipping nature in the forms of rivers,
hills and land. Kerala\'s natural beauty and
wildlife has always been an integral part of the
cultural tradition of Kerala, India. Kerala in
India has had a long tradition of martial arts. In
fact the different rulers who have reigned in this
region over the years have patronized different
art forms, be it architectural styles that are
reflected in the ancient buildings, temples and
churches in the region, classical art forms like
dance, music and theater. Besides the foreign
influences on Kerala\'s traditions have become an
integral part of Kerala\'s culture that is
reflected in the forts and buildings constructed
by the Dutch and the Portuguese in this region. |
