The foundation of Kathakali in India

Indian folk culture is appreciated for its minimalism. Native culture is generally the basis of the folk culture. To the villagers the old culture is inherent, a pattern of life. Religion plays a vital role in Indian culture. Folk culture is influenced by mythology. There is much more superstition among villagers on religion and in their own ways they convey them in devotion, in customs, in songs, dance and drama. 

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Kathakali dance drama is one of the oldest folk form of India. It is a unique form of South Asian performance developed during the late 16th century and early 17th century in the Malayalam speaking coastal region of south-west India, known today as Kerela state. A dance drama folk culture which started almost years ago has now become a part of Kerela's identity. It is based on the principles of Hinduism and is an extremely powerful drama that combines devotion, drama, dance, music, heavy costumes and make up to produce one of the world's most remarkable form of sacrosanct theater. Kathakali began under the influences of the age old dance dramas and folk dances art forms that were performed as rituals and part of worship of Goddess Bhadrakali and martial dances like Sastrkali and Ezhamattukali etc. The art forms had vibrant and uniquely meticulous masks and head dresses as part of their costumes. 

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According to popular beliefs the Raja of Kottarakara, was a passionate enthusiast of traditional art forms,wanted His Highness Samoothiri Maharaja to perform Krishnattom in Kottarakakkara. Samoothiri Maharaja refused to perform in front of the crude public of South Kerala. And that marked the beginning of Ramanattom which was the form created by Kottarkara Raja parallel to Krishnattom. Kathakali evolved from both Krishnattom and Ramanattom as also adapted aspects of folk art forms and martial art forms. Later stories other than Krishna’s, Rama’s were used as themes for Kathakali performance. Kathakali literally means 'Story Play'- 'Katha' means story and 'Kali' means Kala or performing art. It refers to the performance of drama written by playwright-composers in highly Sanskritized Malayalam.

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The emergence of Kathakali as a formal, stylized dance drama during the 17th century was also due to the influence of the then rulers of Trivancore who were the devotees of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Therefore, the place was designed to portray their lives.  It became internationally famous during the past 40 to 45 years. The concepts were later revolutionized and were no longer restricted to Rama and Krishna's lives rather there were depictions from Bhagvata Purana and Mahabharata.