Aattam – rhythmic motion or dance (Malayalam)

• Ekaharya style with one dancer portraying multiple roles.
• Intricate footwork, hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions.
• Traditional repertoire includes Alarippu, Jatiswaran, Shabda, Varna, Pada, Thillana, and Sloka.
• Accompanied by the orchestra and conducted by Nattuvanar

• Derived from the word “Katha,” meaning story
• The blend of storytelling, footwork, and rhythmic patterns
• The strong influence of Mughal and Persian culture
• Solo performances with an emphasis on footwork and straight-legged movements

• A blend of dance, music, and acting
• Elaborate makeup, costumes, and headgear
• Enacts stories from Indian epics with specific facial colors for characters
• Importance of hand gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements

• Originated in Kuchipudi village, Andhra Pradesh
• Dance-drama form with solo and group performances
• Emphasis on storytelling, costumes, and ornaments
• Includes solo items like Manduka Shabdam and Balgopala Taranga

• Based on stories of Lord Vishnu and verses of Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda
• Soft dance style with mudras and expressions similar to Bharatanatyam incorporates postures like Tribhanga and Chowk
• Eminent performers include Sonal Mansingh and Kelucharan Mohapatra

• Introduced by Vaishnava saint Sankaradeva for propagation of Vaishnava faith
• Strictly governed by principles in hasta mudras, footwork, and costumes
• Repertoire includes Bhaona-related and independent dance numbers
• Prominent forms include Chali and Jhumura

• Associated with rituals, festivals, and creation myths
• Lai Haraoba is the earliest form, reenacts the creation of the world
• Rasleela dances originated in 18th-century Manipur
• Popular forms include Ras, Sankirtana, and Thang-Ta with Kirtan accompaniment

PYQ:

[2012] How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

1. Dancers occasionally speak dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2