Kathakali, Kathakaḷi: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Kathakali means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (natya)

Kathakalī refers to one of the eight kinds of classical dance form of India recognised by Sangeet Natak Academy. The classical dance forms of India have numerous elements through which a performer presents a particular dance form properly. [...] The Dance forms [such as Kathakalī] derives their hand gestures from the text of Hastalakṣaṇadīpikā and Manipuri Dance form has its own dancing gestures and postures. Though in Mohinīyaṭṭam and Kathakalī, the names of some hand gestures viz., patāka, śukatuṇḍa, kartarimukha, śikhara etc. are similar as that of the hand gestures found in the Bharatanāṭyam etc., the executions of these hand gestures are totally different.

Natyashastra book cover
context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

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Languages of India and abroad

Kannada-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Kathakali in Kannada glossary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Kathakaḷi (ಕಥಕಳಿ):—[noun] = ಕಥಕ್ಕಳಿ [kathakkali].

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

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