​With which Indian dance form was Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair associated?

Correct option is D

​The correct answer is (d) Kathakali

Explanation:

Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair was a renowned Kathakali dancer from Kerala. He dedicated his entire life to the promotion and teaching of Kathakali, a classical dance-drama form known for its elaborate costumes, expressive gestures, and intricate footwork.

• Born in 1916, he was one of the oldest active performers of Kathakali.
• He was honored with the Padma Shri award in 2017 for his contributions to Indian classical dance.
• He established the Bharatiya Nritya Kalalayam in Kannur, Kerala, to train young artists in Kathakali.

Information Booster:

Kathakali:

• Originated in 17th-century Travancore (Kerala), initially performed in temples, later in royal courts.
• Based on Natya Shastra, but follows Hasthalakshana Deepika for hand gestures.
• Faced decline in the early 20th century; revived by Vallaththol Narayana Menon & Manakkulam Mukunda Raja, who established Kerala Kalamandalam.

Dance & Music

• A fusion of dance, music, mime, and drama with stylized movements and expressive mudras.
• Rasas (facial expressions) convey emotions in storytelling.
• Songs are in Manipravalam (Malayalam + Sanskrit), with lyrics known as Attakkatha.
• Instruments: Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila, Elaththalam.

Make-up & Costumes

• Five makeup types denoting character traits:
• Pacha (Green) – Noble/heroic (gods, kings, sages).
• Katti (Knife) – Villains with noble/brave traits.
• Thadi (Beard) –
• Vella Thadi (White Beard) – Divine/benevolent.
• Chuvanna Thadi (Red Beard) – Evil/demonic.
• Karutha Thadi (Black Beard) – Forest dwellers/hunters.
• Kari (Black) – Evil, grotesque (demons, witches).
• Minukku (Radiant) – Gentle, refined (women, sages, Brahmins).
• Costumes: Grand attire with vibrant colors, heavy jewellery, and elaborate headdresses.

Notable Kathakali Artists: Kalamandalam Gopi, Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair and Kottakkal Sivaraman

Additional Knowledge:

• Kuchipudi originated in Andhra Pradesh and is known for its graceful movements and storytelling through dance.Famous exponent: Vempati Chinna Satyam.
• Satriya is a dance-drama form from Assam, introduced by Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev.
• Kathak originated in North India and is known for fast footwork, spins, and storytelling through hand gestures.Famous exponents: Birju Maharaj, Sitara Devi.