NANGIARKOOTHU - CLASSICAL DANCE OF INDIA
Nangiarkoothu is one of the classical theatre forms of Kerala with an ancient tradition. For centuries, this unique form, involving only women performers, has continued to be staged in temple theatre called Kootahambalams. It was part of the rituals assigned to certain families of Nambiars, to be performed exclusively by Nangiars, the female members of the Nambiar caste. There is an interesting story about the inception of this art form. A king by name of Kulashekara Varman happened to marry a Nangiar because of her talents as an actress. But some members of the society treated her children as out castes. When the King heard about this, he gave them special right to perform Koothu in temples within his kingdom. He wrote the text of Sri Krishnacharitam and made Nangiars perform the part. To meet the expense of the performances, properties were arranged free of tax. In time, the community gained its status and all the concerned people agreed to accord equal status to Nangiars.
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Keywords: art, classical, culture, dance, folk, heritage, indian, perf, traditional, tribal, unesco
