With respect to the Kathakali, consider the following statements:
1. It narrates episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
2. It is essentially an all-male troupe performance.
3. It involves both dance and drama and the two can be clearly separated.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question

With respect to the Kathakali, consider the following statements:
1. It narrates episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
2. It is essentially an all-male troupe performance.
3. It involves both dance and drama and the two can be clearly separated.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: Kathakali evolved from Ramanattam and Krishnattam, two dance-drama traditions that narrated stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata under the patronage of feudal lords in Kerala. Kathakali, which means &lsquo;Katha&rsquo; (story) and &lsquo;Kali&rsquo; (drama), continues this tradition by depicting episodes from these epics.

Statement 2 is correct: Traditionally, Kathakali was performed exclusively by men, even for female roles. While modern adaptations allow female performers, the classical form remains male-dominated. The performance involves minimal props, but the characters are distinguished by elaborate facial makeup, vibrant costumes, and towering headgear.

Statement 3 is not correct: Kathakali is a blend of both dance and drama, where expressive movements, gestures (mudras), and facial expressions (abhinaya) narrate the story. These elements are so intertwined that dance and drama cannot be clearly separated.

Indian Classical Dance Forms

Kathakali

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With respect to the Kathakali, consider the following statements: 1. It narrates episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. 2. It is essentially an all-male troupe performance. 3. It involves both dance and drama and the two can be clearly separated. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Indian Classical Dance Forms

Kathakali

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