Whose Dance Is It Anyway? The Mohiniyattam Predicament in Kerala
Sreebitha P V
Whose Dance Is It Anyway? The Mohiniyattam Predicament in Kerala Economic and Political Weekly Vol.60; No.24 - 14 June 2025 pp. 35-40
A casteist remark by a Kerala-based Mohiniyattam performer, trained at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam, sparked public outrage in Kerala, leading the National Human Rights Commission to initiate legal action. In light of this controversy, this article attempts to trace the development of Mohiniyattam, showcasing its evolution from a stigmatised tradition to a classical dance form of Kerala. In addition to being a gendered art form, it also plays a crucial role in shaping various perceptions concerning caste, beauty, colour, and social standing.
Art & Architecture
Art
Kerala
Dance forms
Temple art
Mohiniyattam
Whose Dance Is It Anyway? The Mohiniyattam Predicament in Kerala Economic and Political Weekly Vol.60; No.24 - 14 June 2025 pp. 35-40
A casteist remark by a Kerala-based Mohiniyattam performer, trained at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam, sparked public outrage in Kerala, leading the National Human Rights Commission to initiate legal action. In light of this controversy, this article attempts to trace the development of Mohiniyattam, showcasing its evolution from a stigmatised tradition to a classical dance form of Kerala. In addition to being a gendered art form, it also plays a crucial role in shaping various perceptions concerning caste, beauty, colour, and social standing.
Art & Architecture
Art
Kerala
Dance forms
Temple art
Mohiniyattam