With reference to the classical dance form Kathakali, consider the following statements:
1.It traditionally involve an all-male troupe, with men portraying both male and female characters.
2.The art form has always been characterized by a clear separation between dance and drama elements.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question

With reference to the classical dance form Kathakali, consider the following statements:
1.It traditionally involve an all-male troupe, with men portraying both male and female characters.
2.The art form has always been characterized by a clear separation between dance and drama elements.​

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Context:The classical art form of Kathakali is witnessing a gender shift as women increasingly outnumber men in enrollment at various institutions in Kerala. Despite traditional resistance, government and non-government training centers see a significant rise in female students, suggesting a future decline in male dominance in the art.

Statement 1 is correct: Traditionally, Kathakali was performed exclusively by male artists, with men portraying both male and female characters. This practice has been prevalent for centuries, and only in recent years have women begun to participate more actively in Kathakali performances.

Statement 2 is not correct: Kathakali is a comprehensive art form that integrates dance, drama, and music. The elements of dance and drama are intricately woven together, making it challenging to separate them distinctly. The expressive movements, hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions (abhinaya) work in harmony to convey the narrative.

Classical Dance Forms

Kathakali

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to the classical dance form Kathakali, consider the following statements: 1.It traditionally involve an all-male troupe, with men portraying both male and female characters. 2.The art form has always been characterized by a clear separation between dance and drama elements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2