Kalamandalam Kshemavathy Pavithran, recipient of Padma Shri and a performer of mohiniyattam, belongs to which of the following states of India?

Correct option is C

​The correct answer is (c) Kerala

Explanation:

• Kalamandalam Kshemavathy Pavithran is a renowned Mohiniyattam dancer from Kerala. She has been one of the most respected artists in the field of Indian classical dance, contributing immensely to the revival and modernization of Mohiniyattam.
• She was honored with the Padma Shri award in 2011 for her outstanding contributions to Indian classical dance. She has also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her excellence in Mohiniyattam.

Information Booster:

Mohiniyattam:

• Origin: Kerala, India.
• Historical Roots: Traced to the Natya Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit text on performing arts.
• Temple Tradition: Initially performed by Devadasis in temples during the Chera dynasty (9th–12th century CE).
• Royal Patronage: Flourished as a performing art in the 18th and 19th centuries under princely states.

Key Features

• Solo Dance Form: Traditionally performed by female dancers.
• Graceful Movements: Belongs to the Lasya style, emphasizing elegance, fluidity, and femininity.
• Themes:
• Devotion and love towards God, primarily Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna.
• Depicts stories through dance and expressive gestures.

Performance Elements

• Music: Based on Carnatic style.
• Language of Lyrics: Mostly in Manipravalam (a blend of Sanskrit & Malayalam).
• Expressions & Gestures:
• Mukhabhinaya: Subtle facial expressions.
• Hand Gestures: 24 gestures derived from Hastha Lakshana Deepika (also used in Kathakali).
• Movement Style:
• Emphasis on gentle, rhythmic swaying.
• Minimal footwork; no sudden jerks or leaps.

Costume & Instruments

• Attire:
• Traditional white or ivory cream sari with bright gold-laced brocade.
• Musical Instruments:
• Mridangam, Maddalam, Idakka, Flute, Veena, Kuzhitalam (cymbals).

Other prominent Mohiniyattam dancers include Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma and Kanak Rele.

Additional Knowledge:

• Telangana – Telangana is known for Perini Sivatandavam, a warrior dance.
• Karnataka – Karnataka is famous for Yakshagana and Bharatanatyam.
• Tamil Nadu – Tamil Nadu is renowned for Bharatanatyam, one of the most famous classical dance forms of India.