Performing Arts and Music

Malayalis use two words to denote dance, which is attom and thullal.^[31] The art forms of Malayalis are classified into three types.They are (i)Religious like Theyyam, Bhagavatipattu etc., (ii)Semi religious like Sanghakali, Krishnanattom etc., and (iii)Secular like Kathakali, Mohiniaattam, Thullal etc.^[31]Kathakali and Mohiniaattam are the two classical dance forms from Kerala.^[32] Kathakali is actually a dance-drama.Mohiniaattam is a very sensual and graceful dance form that is performed both solo and in a group by women.^[32]Kutiyattam is a traditional performing art form from Kerala, which is recognised by UNESCO and given the status Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.^[33]Ottamthullal is another performing art, which is also known as the poor man's Kathakali, which was created by the poet Kunchan Nambiar as an alternative to Chakiarkooth (another performing art),which was open only for higher castes to see.^[34]Theyyam is a ritualistic art form of Malayalis, which is thought to predate hinduism and to have developed from folk dances performed in conjunction with harvest celebrations.Theyyam is performed as an offering to gods so as to get rid of poverty and illness.^[35] Velakali is another ritualistic art form , mainly performed at temples in the festival time.Kolkali is a folk art in which dance performers move in a circle, striking small sticks and keeping rhythm with special steps. Many ancient Malayali family houses in Kerala have special snake shrines called Kavu. Sarpam Thullal is usually performed in the courtyard of houses having snake shrines. This is a votive offering for family wealth and happiness.A Vishnumoorthy Theyyam performance

Performing arts in Kerala is not limited to a single religion of the Malayali society. The Malayalam speaking Muslim community of Kerala, known as Mappila and the Christian community has their own unique performing art forms.Duff Muttu, also known as Dubh Muttu/Aravanamuttu^[36] is a performing art form prevalent among the Muslim community.It is a group performance,staged as a social event during festivals and nuptial ceremonies.^[36] Oppana is a popular form of social entertainment among the Muslim community.It is a form accompanied by clapping of hands, in which both men and women participate.^[37] Margamkali is a performing art which is popular among the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Christians.It combines both devotion and entertainment, and was performed by men in groups.^[38] Since 1980's women also have found groups.The dancers themselves sing the margamkali songs in unison call and response form.^[38]Parichamuttikali is another performing art which is popular among all sections of Christian community.This is an artistic adaptation of the martial art of Kerala, Kalaripayattu.^[38] Chavittu nadakom is a theatrical art form observed mainly by Kerala Latin Christians, dating back to second half of 16th century.^[38]

However, many of these native art forms largely play to tourists or at youth festivals, and are not as popular among ordinary Keralites. Thus, more contemporary forms — including those heavily based on the use of often risqué and politically incorrect mimicry and parody — have gained considerable mass appeal in recent years. Indeed, contemporary artists often use such modes to mock socioeconomic elites. In recent decades, Malayalam cinema, yet another mode of widely popular artistic expression, have provided a distinct and indigenous Keralite alternative to both Bollywood and Hollywood.Maharajah Swathi Thirunal made innumerable contributions to Carnatic MusicMusic formed a major part of early Malayalam literature, which is believed to have started developing by 9th century CE.^[39] The significance of music in the culture of Kerala can be established just by the fact that in Malayalam language, musical poetry was developed long before prose.Kerala is musically known for Sopanam. Sopanam is religious in nature, and developed through singing invocatory songs at the Kalam of Kali, and later inside temples. Sopanam came to prominence in the wake of the increasing popularity of Jayadeva's Gita Govinda or Ashtapadis. Sopana sangeetham (music), as the very name suggests, is sung by the side of the holy steps (sopanam) leading to the sanctum sanctorum of a shrine. It is sung, typically employing plain notes, to the accompaniment of the small, hourglass-shaped ethnic drum called idakka, besides the chengila or the handy metallic gong to sound the beats. Sopanam is traditionally sung by men of the Marar and Pothuval community, who are Ambalavasi (semi-Brahmin) castes engaged to do it as their hereditary profession. Kerala is also home of Carnatic music. Legends like Swati Tirunal, Shadkala Govinda Maarar,Sangitha Vidwan Gopala Pillai Bhagavathar, Chertala Gopalan Nair, M. D. Ramanathan, T. V. Gopalakrishnan, M.S.Gopalakrishnan,K.J.Yesudas ,L.Subramaniam and T. N. Krishnan are Malayali musicians.Also among the younger generations with wide acclaim and promise is Child Prodigy Violinist L.Athira Krishna etc., who are looked upon as Maestros of tomorrow.^[40] Kerala also has a significant presence of Hindustani music as well.^[41] The king of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal patronaged and contributed much to the Hindustani Music. The pulluvar of Kerala are closely connected to the serpent worship. One group among these people consider the snake gods as their presiding deity and perform certain sacrifices and sing songs. This is called Pulluvan Pattu.The song conducted by the pulluvar in serpent temples and snake groves is called Sarppapaattu, Naagam Paattu, Sarpam Thullal, Sarppolsavam, Paambum Thullal or Paambum Kalam. Mappila Paattukal or Mappila Songs are folklore Muslim devotional songs in the Malayalam language. Mappila songs are composed in colloquial Malayalam and are sung in a distinctive tune. They are composed in a mixture of Malayalam and Arabic.

Film music, which refers to playback singing in the context of Indian music, forms the most important canon of popular music in India. Film music of Kerala in particular is the most popular form of music in the state.^[41] Before Malayalam cinema and Malayalam film music developed, the Keralites eagerly followed Tamil and Hindi film songs and that habit has stayed with them till now.