kathakali: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos

Kathakali dance-drama performance

Two performers in elaborate costumes enact a dramatic scene from the Ramayana; one wears a large ornate headpiece and painted face, the other wears a gold sari and expressive jewelry.

The language of movement

The face of Kathakali

Gesture and rhythm in Kathakali

Kathakali dancers

Dancer giving a performance of India's traditional kathakali dance.

See All Images →

Topics

katti minnukku pacca karupputadi tiranokku chokannatadi velupputadi kari natya Manipuri dance mohiniyattam Bharata natyam kuchipudi kathak Odissi rasa