Koodiyattam (Malayalam: കൂടിയാട്ടം, Sanskrit: कूटियाट्टम्, IAST: Kūṭiyāṭṭaṃ) or Kutiyattam is a form of Sanskrit theatre traditionally performed in the state of Kerala, India. Performed in he Sanskrit language in Hindu temples, it is believed to be 2,000 years old. It is officially recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Origin

Koodiyattam [kutiyattam], meaning "combined acting," signifies Sanskrit drama presented in the traditional style in temple theatres of Kerala. It is the only surviving specimen of the ancient Sanskrit theatre. It has an attested history of a thousand years in Kerala, but its origin and evolution are shrouded in mystery. Kutiyattam and chakyar   othu were among the dramatized dance worship services in temples of ancient India, particularly Tamilakam (modern-day Tamil Nadu and Kerala). Both kootiyattam and chakyar  oothu find several mentions in ancient sangam literature of south and also in the epigraphs belonging to subsequent Pallava, Chera, Chola periods in Tamil Nadu. Inscriptions related to the dramatized dance worship services like koodiyattam and chakyar koothu are available in temples at Tanjore, Tiruvidaimaruthur, Vedaranyam, Tiruvarur, and Omampuliyur. They were  reated as an integral part of worship services alongside the singing of tevaram and prabandam hymns. There are mentions in epigraphs those forms of dramatized dance worship  ervices that are called aariyam that mostly had Sanskrit scripts for plays.

Several ancient kings and members of other professions are listed to have authored several works for these services. There is evidence of these services being done all over  ncient subcontinent during time of cholas and pallavas. A Pallava king called Rajasimha has been credited with authoring a play called kailasodharanam in Tamil that has the  opic of Ravana becoming subject to Siva's anger and being subdued mercilessly for the same. For examples a fragmented inscription at the door step of an ancient Shiva temple  now non-existent) in Pegan in Burma finds mention of these services.

It is believed that Kulasekhara Varman Cheraman Perumal, an ancient king of Tamil Chera dynasty, who ruled from Mahodayapuram (modern Kodungallur), reformed Koodiyattam,  ntroducing the local language for Vidusaka and structuring presentation of the play to well-defined units. He himself wrote two plays, Subhadraharana and Tapatisamvarana and  ade arrangements for their presentation on stage with the help of a Brahmin friend called Tolan. These plays are still presented on stage. Apart from these, the plays  raditionally presented include Ascaryacudamani of Saktibhadra, Kalyanasaugandhika of Nilakantha, Bhagavadajjuka of Bodhayana, Nagananda of Harsa, and many plays ascribed to  hasa including Abhiseka and Pratima. The Kutiyattam performance was performed in specially designed temples called koothambalams.

The use of Buddhist themes for plays is a very controversial and moot issue and seem to be a later interpolation not existing since ancient times for the latter not being a  hen-legal vedic system.

Koodiyattam, also spelt Kutiyattam, Sanskrit drama performed in Kerala, India, has been recognised by UNESCO as a Human Heritage Art. Rightly so. It is the oldest existing classical theatre form in the entire world, having originated much before Kathakali and most other theatrical forms. It is considered to be at least 2000 years old. Kulasekhara Varma Cheraman Perumal, an ancient King of Kerala was known as the creator of Koodiyattam in the present form. His book "Aattaprakaram" describes various aspects about how to perform Koodiyattam. Till date this is considered the most authoritative work on the art form. The "grammar" of performance is entirely based on the stipulations of "Natyashasthram" by Bharatha Muni, the most authoritative book on the science of acting.

How

Traditionally, Koodiyattam is presented by "Chakyars" (a sub caste of Kerala Hindus). The female roles went only to "Nangyars" (Women of Nambiar caste). The name 'Koodiyattam' (combined dance form) came because it is the combined performance of Chakkyar and Nangyar. The only musical accompaniment used to be "Mizhav" played by Nambiar men. Of late, Idakka also finds a place beside Mizhav.

The photographs given in the following pages are from 'Soorpanakhangam' Koodiyattam and 'Jatayuvadham' Koodiyattam.

Soorpanakhangam Koodiyattam
Soorpanakhangam is based on a sequence in 'Ramayanam'. Soorpanakha, a Rakshasa woman came across Rama and Laskshmana while they were staying at Panchavati. Impressed by the elegant features of Rama, she transforms herself into a charming young lady and makes advances towards Rama. His outright refusal leads to raised tempers and Lakshmana disfigures her by cutting the nose and breasts. She reverts back to her demonic appearance and exits in a highly excited mood.

1. Sreerama and Seetha
2. Ammannoor Madhava Chakyar as Ravanan
3. Sreerama, Seetha and Soorpanakha
4. Usha Nangiar as Soorpanakha
5. Usha Nangiar as Soorpanakha
6. Venuji as Lakshmanan and Soorpanakha after the encounter

Jatayuvadham Koodiyattam
Jatayuvadham is a part of the drama "Aascharyachoodamani" written by Sakthi Bhadra Kavi. The story deviates considerably from the original Ramayanam text. For abducting Seetha from Panchavati, Ravanan and his Soothan (charioteer) disguised as Sreerama and Lakshmana. They made her believe that they were returning to Ayodhya. On the way Ravanan accidentally touched the Choodamani (a jewelled ornament Seetha was wearing on her head). By its magical powers Ravanan reverted to his actual form.

The first scene in Koodiyattam performance starts when Seetha is horrified by the sight of Ravanan. She begs Soothan (disguised as Lakshmanan) to save her. Suddenly he also assumes his real form. Seetha becomes more frightened. Hearing Seetha's wailing, Jatayu (A bird who is a friend of Sreeraman) appears. He attempts to save Seetha. Jatayu fights fiercely with Ravanan, who cuts the bird's right wing. Seetha blesses Jatayu that he will not die before conveying the information to Sreerama. The drama ends with the exit of Ravanan and Soothan taking Seetha.

1. Seetha, Ravana and his Soothan on the way to Lanka
2. Jatayu hearing Seetha's wailing
3. Ravana's confrontation with Jatayu
4. Fighting between Ravana and Jatayu
5. Ravana catching Jatayu to cut his right wing
6. Seetha standing horrified seeing Ravana cutting Jatayu's wing
7. Jatayu falling
8. Jatayu falling down
9. Seetha blessing Jatayu
10. Seetha, Ravana and Soothan preparing to continue journey
11. Ravana and Sootha continuing journey to Lanka

The performers are Ravana (Kalamandalam Sivan Namboodiri), Jatayu (Kalamandalam Rama Chakyar), Seetha (Kalamandalam Anjali) and Soothan (Prasad). On the Mizhav are Kalamandalam Achuthanandan and Kalamandalam Easwaranunni. Thalam (Rhythm) is by Shailaja and Krishnapriya.

For more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koodiyattom