Question

Why were the ritual art forms of medieval Kerala more famous than the temple art forms?
A)They were performed in Kavus which had wider public access
B)They had the official support of the rulers
C)Both A and B
D)Neither A and B

Answer 1

Hint: Kerala is an Indian state which is renowned for its diverse forms of performing arts, many communities contributing to its rich and colorful culture.

Complete answer: Option A : the heritage of Kerala is rooted in art and culture Various art forms that developed in medieval Kerala like Theyyam incorporates mime and music and had touch of the ancient tribal cultures, Thira, Margom kali, which is a ritual folk art of the Syrian Christians in Kerala and Kalampattu as a dance form laid importance to worship of heroes and spirit, along with various other dance forms these were performed in Kavus ( sacred groves), in front of shrines, sans stage and other places of worship by mostly people belonging to the Vannan, Malayan and other castes. These ritual arts revolved around the triumph of the Goddess over the evil and were more popular than temple arts. The temple arts however impacts the traditional social and cultural fabric of the state of Kerala and diverse art forms like Koothu specifically performed by Chakyar community, Koodiyattam and Kathakali, a dance form which originated in Kerala were staged in the Koothambalam attached to temples like a temple theatre.

Options B, C and D can be eliminated as the Option A,is the correct answer.

Note: Koothambalam, is situated within the hall and is believed to be as sacred and pious as the temple sanctum. Inside the Koothambalam,only men of Chakyar caste are allowed to perform Koothu and Koodiyattam.