Introduction: A 2,000-Year-Old Performing Legacy
In 2008, UNESCO recognised Kutiyattam, also known as Koodiyattam, as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, making it the first in the list. Kutiyattam is considered to be the oldest living Sanskrit theatre, exclusively practised in the state of Kerala. We can find the written source of a close technique in the ancient text Natyashastra.
Origin and Revival
The written source of this art form indicates that it is at least 1,800 years old. For a long period of time, this form was performed within Kuttampalams, specially designed temple theatres. It is said to be traditionally performed by men of the Chakiar caste, whereas the music is played by men of the Nambiar caste; on the other hand, women of the Nambiar families, Nangiars, play the role of female characters. To preserve the sacredness and purity of this form, only limited audiences were allowed. The art form was patronised by royal families, and that also led to their decline in the 19th century with the fall of royal families.
However, the 20th century saw the revival of the art from beyond the temple with the arrival of Kerala Kalamandalam. Despite all major efforts, financial challenges made the preservation a continuous struggle. There are some communities that need appreciation for keeping the tradition alive. The following are the communities safeguarding this art for generations, passing it to their disciples:
Chakyars: Perform male characters.
Nangiars (women of the Nambiar community): Perform female roles, sing Sanskrit verses, and play cymbals.
Nambiar men: Play the primary percussion instrument, the copper mizhavu.
Influence of Sanskrit Drama
Sanskrit literature is the focal point of this art form. Kutiyattam adapts plays by dramatists like Bhasa, Kalidasa, and Harsha. One of the most important playwrights was 11th-century ruler Kulasekhara Varma. Varma contributed significantly by composing a manual for the acting technique named the Aattaprakaram.
The performance shows how language was used in old Sanskrit plays. Elite and upper-caste characters speak Sanskrit, whereas commoners speak Malayalam.
The Vidushaka (clown) works as a bridge between both worlds; it translates Sanskrit verses into Malayalam with humour and commentary. These stories from literature come to life with the Kuttampalam, built according to Natyashastra principles.
The ground plan of the traditional temple theatre is rectangular in shape, which ensures the visibility of the actors’ hand gestures and intricate facial expressions. Just like any other traditional folk performance, the oil lamp is always present at the front, symbolising spiritual presence and acting as the main source of illumination. The artist enters the stage from behind a handheld curtain, while two back doors connect to dressing rooms, maintaining the ritual structure of the performance.
The Resonant Power of the Mizhavu
The heartbeat of any dance or art form is music, for Kutiyattam is the mizhavu, a large copper drum played inside a wooden enclosure. It sets the audience’s mood, guides emotional transitions, and underscores each gesture. Other instruments included in this performance are cymbals, a conch shell, and small drums.
The Art of Acting: Abhinaya at its Finest
Kutiyattam is known for its excellent abhinaya, emphasising
- Netra abhinaya (eye expressions) and
- Hasta abhinaya (hand gestures)
Actors usually spend nearly 10–15 years, gaining precise control over facial muscles, breath, and body posture.
A single verse in this type of art form may take hours to perform, as the artist unfolds each emotional layer in detail, whereas full plays can continue for several days, and historically, some productions even lasted for 40–70 days.
During long monologues, the performer may remain alone on stage and shift between multiple characters using subtle cues, such as adjusting a shawl or altering facial expressions, to smoothly portray different roles.
Costumes, Make-Up, and Visual Aesthetics
Kutiyattam costumes include a wide skirt-like garment with intricate rosette formations at the back, a long-sleeved jacket, heavy jewellery, and crafted headgear, which resembles the traditional murals of Mattancherry Palace. Make-up, especially the face and eye makeup, is bold, dramatic, and symbolic, highlighting the expression of the artist.
Heroic characters wear green face paint, which symbolises bravery and heroism. A small curved paper frame, known as Chutti, made of rice paste, is placed around the artist’s face to further brighten the features. These visual traditions later influenced the art form, Kathakali.
On the other hand, Vidushaka has different makeup and a costume that highlights the artist’s humorous side. They use small headgear, and facial features help to highlight the fun side, unlike the makeup of heroic characters.
Each character gets their makeup and costume after careful choices, keeping their characteristics and emotions in mind.
Forms Within the Tradition
Alongside group drama, Kutiyattam also includes solo forms:
Koothu (performed by Chakyars): A narrative monologue
Nangiar Koothu, or Nangyarkuttu, is a solo female performance tradition in Kerala, performed by Nangiars, women of the Nambiar families, in which highly trained women performers present episodes from classical Sanskrit plays. The performer usually portrays characters like Sita, Draupadi, and other strong female figures from epics. This art form requires mastery of detailed expressions, hand gestures, and storytelling techniques, making it one of the most refined forms of female-led performance in the region.
Prabandhakuttu represents the most popular form of Kuttu, wherein the Chakyar narrates tales with humour, sarcasm, and satire. The local language used by the Chakyar helps in the creation of a straightforward and impactful connection with the audience.
These formats showcase the performer’s interpretative genius and mastery of gesture-based narration.
Technical Manuals: Aattaprakaram and Kramadeepika
Aattaprakaram is an acting manual that provides guidance on gestures, expressions, movements, performance, and narrative techniques used in traditional art forms like Koodiyattam, Kathakali, and Margamkali.
Kramadeepika is a Sanskrit text that explains the rules for stage setup, costumes, lighting, and the overall structure of the performance.
Both texts are important because they preserve the technical and small details of performances that guide performers in maintaining authenticity.
Conclusion: A Sacred Art Facing Modern Challenges
Kutiyattam is represented as the only continuous tradition of Sanskrit theatre globally. It reflects centuries of strict respect for classical texts, ritual-based performance, artistic discipline, and community effort. Although modern recognition and academic interest have helped revive it, the tradition still faces serious challenges because of low financial support and limited patronage, which threaten its survival.
Safeguarding Kutiyattam is not just about saving an art form but also about protecting a living connection to India’s cultural, literary, and performance heritage. With steady support, this ancient theatre tradition can continue to glow like the sacred lamp at the centre of its stage.
Reference
- UNESCO. (n.d.). Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- KeralaTourism. (n.d.). Kutiyattam – the ancient Sanskrit theatrical art form of Kerala. Kerala Tourism.
- KeralaTaxis. (n.d.). Koodiyattam. KeralaTaxis.
- KriyanaTyaSala. (n.d.). Koodiyattam. KriyanaTyaSala.