Koodiyattam

कूदियात्तम

Koodiyattam is considered the oldest dance form of the world (around 2000 years old) which is the reason why it has been designated as the Human Heritage Art by the UNESCO. The dance form, as seen today, is the result of the efforts of a king known by the name of Kulasekhara Varma Cheraman Perumal. He wrote a book, "Aattaprakaram" which gives a detailed description as to how Koodiyattam is to be performed.

As per tradition, Koodiyattam is performed by the Chakyars" (a sub caste of Kerala Hindus). The female roles went only to "Nangyars" (women of Nambiar caste). The word, Koodiyattam itself means combined dance forms. This perhaps indicates the combined effort put in by these two caste to perform the dance. Not much of instruments are used in this dance performance. Traditionally only Mizav used to be played by the artists, however, today idaka is also made use of extensively. Koodiyattam normally takes a long time to wrap up - from few days to a number of weeks. It is basically a temple dance (though performed outside also) and is performed usually during night hours.