Question

Chakyar Kotthu is a performing act associated with which of the following states?
A. Manipur
B. Kerala
C. Mizoram
D. Himachal Pradesh

Answer 1

Hint: It is a dance form from South India. This art form takes on both a historical, didactic tone and a satirical one. It often involves the audience and is distinctive for this reason as it furthers the notion that in art no one is sacred.

Complete answer: It retells sagas from the Puranas and epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. Some say it originated from the oldest form of Sanskrit theatre, Kutiyattam, but it also uses vernacular Malayalam.
- The ensemble is characterised by a distinct headgear (which represents the narrator Anantha, a 1000 headed serpent), black moustache, red dots covering the body, masks and a paste of sandalwood applied on the midriff.
- It is performed by a single person in a monologue, usually during festivals and is often mistaken for Nangiar Kotthu. Earlier, it was restricted to Hindu temples.
- It is traditionally exclusively performed by the Chakyar (priestly) caste, or with the Hindu Ambalavasi Nambiar. It is a mix of prose and poetry. It was initially seen as a form of worship.
- Performances are accompanied with two instruments, called the ‘mizhavu’ and the (a pair of) ‘ilathalam’.
- A famous personality is Mani Madhava Chakyar who is also a Padma Shri awardee. It was founded by Rama Varma Parikshith Thampuran.
Therefore, option B is correct.

Note: Kothu translates to dance, which seems a little misfitting as the choreography primarily revolves around facial expressions. In the 10th and 11 century, it took over stages due to Painkulam Raman Chakyar (1905-1980).