About

• Kathakali is a classical dance which developed around the 17th century in Kerala. 
• The themes of Kathakali include mythic stories of the Hindu gods and goddesses and  ancient Indian epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. 
• Traditionally, Kathakali has been performed by male dancers only but it has gradually opened up to female performers too.
• It is accompanied by traditional music known as Sopanam, using instruments like chenda, maddalam, and edakka.
• It is a group dance and characters in a Kathakali performance are broadly divided into satvika, rajasika and tamasika.
  • Satvika are noble and heroic characters.
  • Rajasika are courageous but have an evil streak in them.
  • Tamasika refers to bearded characters.

• Rita Ganguly and Gopinath are famous proponents of Kathakali.