Relationship between Mohini Aatam and Kuchipudi

Subashini Pathmanathan

Indian classical dances evolved out of distinct cultures and religions of each region. North Indian classical dance Kathak, South Indian classical dances Kathakali, Bharatha Natyam, Kuchupidi, Bagavatha Mela, Mohini Aatam and East Indian classical dances such as Oddisi and Manipuri are well known dances. These dances resemble each other, and have their differences as well.

Female dancer with rhythmic posture

Mohini Aatam bears a close affinity to Bharatha Natyam. Mohini Aatam developed along with Bharatha Natyam and Kathakali. Mohini Aatam is sometimes described as a blend of Sathir and Kathakali. Feet are kept apart as in Bharatha Natyam and they are stretched out as in Kathakali. Mohini Aatam grew up in Kerala, and it reached peak during the period of Travancore Maharaja Swathi Thirunal.

Vadivelu of Thanjore Quartette migrated to Travancore and became Travancore Maharaja’s court vidwan. Vadivelu gave an impetus to this dance, which flourished. In the early stages, compositions of Valathal Narayana Menon and Swathi Thirunal sakithiyams were presented in Mohini Aatam.

Mohini Aatam uses some classical items used in Bharatha Natyam namely Jetheswaram, Sabtham, Varnam and Padam in the same order.

Like most Indian classical dances, Mohini Aatam is also based on puranic themes. Lord Thirumal in his avathar as Mohini is believed to have danced the Mohini Aatam to entice the audience.

The music used in Mohini Aatam is basically the same as that used in Bharatha Natyam. Mohini Aatam is danced only by females. Hair is tied in a knot on one side of the head in Mohini Aatam. Nirtham (pure dance), Niruthyam (Bhava, Abinaya, hand gestures and Rasas) are used equally as in Bharatha Natyam.

In Bharatha Natyam colourful costumes and different patterns of costumes are used, but in Mohini Aatam white pleated costumes with gold borders are used. But the ornaments used in Mohini Aatam are almost similar to that used in Bharatha Natyam.

Andra, which borders Tamil Nadu, has its own classical dance form called Kuchuidi. Kuchuidi originated in the village Kuchuidi. Originally, it was danced by males alone, and now the females are the main dancers. Kuchuidi has close similarities with Bharatha Natyam. In Bharatha Natyam drama-oriented dance is called dance drama. Kuchuidi is essentially a drama-based dance.

Male dancer with one foot on brass plate

In Bharatha Natyam dance dramas are generally based on music and there is a dialogue during the dance. Some items are common to classical Bharatha Natyam in Mohini Aatam and Kuchuidi. For instance the item Sabtham is common to Bharatha Natyam, Mohini Aatam and Kuchuidi, while Tharu and Tharangam are some attractive special items in Kuchuidi. Dancing with brass pots filled with water, kept on the head, legs are placed on a brass tray, is an attractive Kuchuidi dance.

There is a resemblance between Bharatha Natyam and Kuchuidi in the use of adavus, jathi sequences and abinayas. Different colour costumes, patterns of costumes, hair décor and ornaments are almost same in Bharatha Natyam and Kuchuidi. Kuchuidi, like Bharatha Natyam, is essentially a solo dance.

Kuchuidi is mainly based on Puranic and Ithikasas like other Indian classical dances. The resemblance between Bharatha Natyam and Kuchuidi arouse because Andra and Tamil Nadu were one single entity called Madras Presidency until 1953.

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