Mohiniyattam, classical dance of Kerala

Mohiniyattam, the female classical solo dance of Kerala, is the dance of the Mohini, the celestial enchantress of Hindu mythology.

The dance is based on Hastha Lakhsana Deepika, the treatise on hand gestures, and its lyrics are in Manipravala, a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam languages.

Mohiniyattam usually deals with the themes of love and devotion. The slow, swaying movements of Mohiniyattam along with subtle facial expressions give it an identity different from that of the other classical dance forms of India.

The predominant emotive element of this dance is laasya or sensuality. Once performed only in temple premises, Mohiniyattam was made popular by the erstwhile king of Travancore, Swati Thirunal.

Swati Thirunal patronized the dance to the extent of giving it a typical Kerala touch. Irayimman Thampi, the court musician of Swati Thirunal, and Kuttikunju Thankachi are others who contributed to the growth of Mohiniyattam.

Dr. Neena Prasad, the artiste featured in the video represents the young and innovative generation of Mohiniyattam performers of India. An accomplished scholar, Dr. Neena Prasad also focuses on improvisations in this classical dance form.