Kathak vs. Mohiniattam

Attribute	Kathak	Mohiniattam
Origin	North India	South India
Costume	Lehenga-choli, Ghungroo	Off-white saree, Temple jewelry
Musical Instruments	Tabla, Sarangi	Veena, Mridangam
Mood	Expressive, Energetic	Graceful, Lyrical
Gestures	Kathak Hastas	Mudras

Origin and History

Kathak is one of the eight classical dance forms of India and has its roots in the northern regions of the country. It originated in the temples of North India and was later influenced by the Mughal era. Kathak has a strong emphasis on footwork and intricate hand movements. On the other hand, Mohiniattam is a classical dance form from Kerala, a state in South India. It is said to have originated in the temples of Kerala and was performed by Devadasis. Mohiniattam is known for its graceful movements and subtle expressions.

Costumes and Jewelry

In Kathak, dancers typically wear a flowing costume called a lehenga or a sari, which allows for fluid movements. The costume is often embellished with intricate embroidery and mirror work. Dancers also wear ankle bells called ghungroo, which add to the rhythmic element of the dance. In contrast, Mohiniattam dancers wear white or off-white sarees with gold borders. The costume is simple yet elegant, allowing the focus to be on the dancer's movements. Mohiniattam dancers also wear traditional Kerala jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, and bangles.

Technique and Movements

Kathak is known for its fast footwork and complex rhythmic patterns. Dancers use their feet to create intricate sounds that complement the music. Hand movements, known as hastaks, are also an important aspect of Kathak. The dance style includes spins, jumps, and expressive gestures. Mohiniattam, on the other hand, is characterized by slow, graceful movements that flow seamlessly from one to the next. The dance style focuses on the lasya aspect of dance, which is the feminine and graceful element.

Music and Themes

Kathak is often performed to classical Hindustani music, with instruments like the tabla, sitar, and sarangi accompanying the dancers. The themes of Kathak performances can vary, from traditional mythological stories to contemporary themes. Dancers often use abhinaya, or facial expressions, to convey emotions and tell a story. Mohiniattam, on the other hand, is performed to classical Carnatic music, which includes instruments like the veena, mridangam, and flute. The themes of Mohiniattam performances often revolve around love and devotion, with dancers using subtle expressions to convey emotions.

Training and Education

Both Kathak and Mohiniattam require years of rigorous training to master the intricate movements and expressions. Dancers start learning the basics at a young age and gradually progress to more advanced techniques. Training in Kathak involves learning different taals (rhythmic patterns) and compositions, as well as developing a strong sense of rhythm. Mohiniattam training focuses on developing grace, flexibility, and expression. Dancers learn various adavus (basic steps) and mudras (hand gestures) to convey different emotions.

Performance and Presentation

Kathak performances often include elements of storytelling, with dancers using gestures and expressions to convey a narrative. The fast-paced footwork and spins captivate the audience and create a dynamic performance. Dancers often perform intricate compositions and improvisations, showcasing their skill and creativity. Mohiniattam performances, on the other hand, focus on the beauty and grace of the movements. Dancers use subtle expressions and flowing movements to create a mesmerizing experience for the audience.