Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ottanthullal
Mains level: NA
A renowned folk artist has expressed his angst over the fading participation of students in Ottanthullal Artform.
What is Ottanthullal?
- Ottanthullal (or Thullal, in short) is recite-and-dance art-form of Kerala.
- It was introduced in the 18th century by the famous Malayalam poet Kunchan Nambiar (1705 – 1770).
- It is famous for its humour and social satire, and marked by its simplicity as opposed to more complex dance-forms like Kathakali and Koodiyattam.
Unique features
- Ottanthullal follows the classical principles of Natyasasthra (a treatise on art compiled in the 2nd century B.C.E).
- It is enacted into three separate versions
- Ottanthullal
- Seethankan thullal
- Parayan thullal
- The Ottanthullal is the most popular among the three varieties of Thullal.
How is it performed?
- The performance uses elaborate expressions and stories recited in verses to bring important mythological tales and stories to life.
- The costume and makeup of the performer are similar to that of a Kathakali artist.
- It is performed at temple festivals and cultural programmes.
- The performer is supported by a singer who repeats the verses and is accompanied by an orchestra of mridangam or thoppimaddalam (percussions) and cymbals.
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