The Interface of History, Gender, Politics and Aesthetics of Mohiniyattam: A Cultural Analysis

Abstract

This paper “The Interface of History, Gender, Politics and Aesthetics of Mohiniyattam: A Cultural Analysis”is an attempt to study the classical dance form of Kerala - Mohiniyattam, from an interdisciplinary standpoint and with a Cultural Studies slant. It is generally maintained that Mohiniyattam is the classical dance form of Kerala. The word „Mohiniyattam‟ means the dance of the enchantress. Customary consensus holds that it evolved from the dance the Devadasis performed in the temples as an offering to God. This paper intends to make a semiotic and discursive study of the emergence, evolution, and the current significations that one can discern in Mohiniyattam. And also, to discuss on the Culturalimportance of the dance form Mohiniyattam, along with the gender issues faced by the so called „Devadasis‟ or dancers.