Mohiniyattam (Kerala)

The Dance of the Enchantress

If Kathakali is dramatic intensity and Manipuri is inward devotion, Mohiniyattam is graceful enchantment in motion. It is Kerala’s feminine classical tradition — soft, lyrical, and deeply expressive.

Let us understand it.

Meaning and Mythological Origin

The word Mohiniyattam is derived from:

Mohini → The enchantress (female incarnation of Vishnu)
Aattam → Dance

Thus, it literally means “Dance of the Enchantress.”

Mohini, in mythology, represents beauty, charm, and divine illusion (Maya). The dance mirrors these qualities.

Nature and Style

Mohiniyattam is traditionally:

A solo female dance form
Rooted in Lasya (graceful feminine energy)

It is considered the gentle counterpart to Kathakali. While Kathakali is vigorous and theatrical, Mohiniyattam is soft and flowing.

Aesthetic Characteristics

It is characterised by:

Gentle swaying movements | Soft sliding footwork | No heavy stamping
Emphasis on torso movement | Effortless rise and fall of the body

The movement resembles → Swaying palm trees; Gentle waves of the sea
Kerala’s landscape finds expression in its dance.

Historical Development

Mohiniyattam acquired its present structure in the 19th century under Swati Thirunal Rama Varma
He was → A ruler of Travancore; A patron of arts; A composer himself
He composed numerous songs for Mohiniyattam.

Role of the Tanjore Quartet

Under Swati Thirunal’s patronage:

Vadivelu (of the Tanjore Quartet) structured its repertoire.
Introduced Cholkettu as the opening piece.

Thus, Mohiniyattam gained classical codification.

Colonial Decline and Revival

During British rule it was ridiculed as a remnant of the Devadasi system and therefore, suffered neglect
Revival efforts were led by Vallathol Narayana Menon. He founded Kerala Kalamandalam in 1930.
- Other revivalists → Mukunda Raja, A. K. Panicker, Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma

These efforts restored dignity to the art.

Main Features of Mohiniyattam

1️⃣ Femininity as Core Principle

No heavy steps | No rhythmic tension | Gentle sliding footwork

It embodies Lasya.

2️⃣ Ati Bhanga Posture

Basic stance:

Feet parted | Knees bent outward | Upper torso erect | Side-to-side swaying

Unlike Odissi’s Tribhanga, Mohiniyattam emphasises flowing curves.

3️⃣ Atavus (Basic Units)

Grouped into four types → Taganam, Jaganam, Dhaganam, Sammisram
These are foundational rhythmic patterns.

4️⃣ Musical Accompaniment

Supported by → Maddalam (percussion)
Music style is close to Carnatic tradition but adapted to Kerala aesthetics.

5️⃣ Solo Tradition

Traditionally performed by women, though men now also perform it.

Principles of Mohiniyattam

Let us understand its philosophical pillars.

🌸 Lasya

Soft, graceful, feminine movement. This is the essence.

❤️ Shringara Rasa

Primary aesthetic flavour → Romantic love or Erotic love
Shringara here is refined and dignified.

🔺 Trisama

Coordination of → Nritta (pure dance); Nritya (expression); Natya (drama)

Balance of technique and emotion.

🎭 Abhinaya

Facial expression (Mukhaja Abhinaya) is crucial.

👀 Nayana Abhinaya

Emphasis on expressive eye movements. The eyes carry the emotional narrative.

🤲 Mudras

Hand gestures conveying meaning.

🕰️ Tala and Laya

Tala → Rhythm
Laya → Tempo

Mohiniyattam demands precise rhythmic control without visual aggression.

Five Basic Postures (Mandalams) in Mohiniyattam

In Mohiniyattam, posture is not merely physical alignment — it is the foundation of grace. These five Mandalams represent progressive lowering of the body, creating controlled softness and balance.

Let us understand them.

1️⃣ Samam

Steady body | Head and eyes aligned | Legs together

This is the neutral, balanced stance — calm and composed.

2️⃣ Kaalmandalam

Body lowered slightly (one-quarter) | Knees slightly bent | Feet two fingers apart

This introduces gentle flexibility.

3️⃣ Aramandalam

Body lowered further | Thighs more parallel to the floor | Knees aligned properly

This resembles the half-sitting stance seen in other classical dances but remains softer.

4️⃣ Mukkalmandalam

Body lowered three-quarters | Greater knee bend | Controlled stability

5️⃣ Muzhumandalam

Full lowering | Dancer sits entirely on raised toes

This is the deepest posture — requiring strength and control.

These Mandalams reflect gradual descent — a physical metaphor for surrender and grace.

Repertoire of Mohiniyattam

Like other classical forms, Mohiniyattam follows a structured sequence.

1️⃣ Cholkettu

Invocation | Reverence to deities | Opening piece

2️⃣ Jatisvaram

Pure dance | No dramatic element | Focus on rhythm and melody

3️⃣ Varnam

Combines Nritta and Nritya | Includes expression and technical patterns | Central and longest piece

4️⃣ Padam

Expressive segment | Focus on storytelling | Emotional depth

5️⃣ Thillana

Fast-paced | Complex footwork | Rhythmic climax

6️⃣ Shlokam

Symbolises union of Shiva and Parvati, or Jeevathma (individual soul) with Paramathma (supreme soul)

7️⃣ Saptam

Final item | Symbolises creation and renewal | Represents new birth cycle

Thus, Mohiniyattam performance moves from invocation to spiritual union and renewal.

Costume in Mohiniyattam

The costume reflects Kerala’s aesthetic simplicity.

Key Elements:

White/off-white Kasavu saree with golden border
Matching blouse | Golden waist belt
Temple jewellery | Ghungroos
Red alta on feet and fingers | Red tikka, black kajal | Jasmine flowers in bun

Unlike Kathakali’s grand costume, Mohiniyattam’s elegance lies in restraint.

Music in Mohiniyattam

Vocal compositions are in Manipravalam (mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam)

Music style:

Carnatic base
Rendered in Sopana Sangeetha style (slow, melodic Kerala style)

Instruments include Mridangam / Maddalam, Idakka, Flute, Veena, Kuzhithalam (cymbals)
The music complements the gentle swaying rhythm.

Famous Exponents of Mohiniyattam

Important figures include:

Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma | Kanak Rele | Bharati Shivaji
Kshemavathy | Sathyabhama | Sugandhi | Gopika Varma

These artists refined technique and globalised the form.