Mohiniyattam Beginner - Unit1 (ENG)

Mohiniyattam is a graceful classical dance form that originated in Kerala. It's a female dance form, which is often linked to Devadasi attam for its historical significance. But this art certainly had nothing to do with Devadasi attam. A clear history of this art form that existed among Kerala women dates back to the period of Swathi Thirunal.

Later, in 1930, Rani Regent Lakshmibai banned Mohiniyattam. In 1932, as a result of the efforts of the great poet Vallathol, the Mohiniyattam sect was started in Kerala Kalamandalam.It was only after that the art form Mohiniyattam gained its solidity and techniques. All the famous Mohiniyattam dancers today are the pass outs from Kalamandalam and their disciples.

   The movements in Mohiniyattam are very simple but technically well arranged. the circular and spiral movements are enough to take the viewer to new levels of entertainment through a series of continuous movements. The Kalamandalam style of Mohiniyattam is taught here. It consists of 30 basic adavus and 6 pirivus. In addition, Mohiniyattam has adopted the Mudra Shastra text 'Hasta Lakshana Deepika' as its Holy book. There are 24 Hastha Mudras. They are as follows,