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Kathakali is the original dance-drama form of Kerala 'Ramanattam' is the proto form of Kathakali. Kottarakara Thampuran created the danceform Ramanattam on the basis of the story of Ramayana during the 17th century A.D. Later a Raja of Vettathu natu of the same century modified the Ramanattam and gave importance to Abhinaya especially to Angi kabhinaya with the Mudras. It is known as 'Vettathu' system. 49 Later in the same century (17th) Kottayam Thampuran from North Kerala choreographed this art and made it a complete dance-drama form known as Kathakali. After some years there developed in Kathakali different styles and systems that reflected local improvisations and special skills of masters. These diverging schools are known as Kalladikodam The system of system, Kaplingadan system and Kalluvazhisystem. 50 Kalluvazhi was spread in the middle part of Kerala under the great Kathakali masters like Pattikkamthodi Ramunnimenon. He acted and trained disciples at the Kerala Kalamandalam, Mancheri Kalari and Kottakal P. S.V. Natya sangam. The local Kalari practices and modes of presentations were gradually absorbed by these institutions." 51

200 All these developmental stages of Kathakali give importance to Kalari practice. Boys under the age of twelve years were admitted to these Kalaries. Girls were not allowed to study. Training of eyes, body, cuvad (step) and mudra (gesture) are practised in the Kalari on the basis of various Attakkathas (tales for acting). The practice of Abhinaya is technically known as 'Colliyattam'. A Kathakali artist should study Kathakali at least eight years in order to attain some perfection in this art. 52 The basic literary texts of Kathakali acting is known as Attakkatha. It is in the forms of songs and verses in the Manipravala style of language which is a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam. These are sung by singers in the background. Kathakali artist should know this literature very well for acting and singing percussion. It means that he should be a good scholar in Sanskrit and Malayalam. Nalacaritam of Unnaivarier, Kalyanasaugandhikam of Ramapanivadan, Deksayagam of Veera Keralavarma Kochi, Keecakavadham of Irayimman Tampi, Bakavadham of Kottarakara Tampuran etc are well known. Kathakali song exists as a special variety of music. A great number of Kathakali lovers have the habit of listening to Kathakali music through audio instruments and many try to learn them by heart. This activity leads them not only to appreciate the

201 musical quality of Kathakali song but also the lyrics and emotions. contained in them.