‘Kalyanasougandhikam’ highlights the fine classicism of Kathakali

Context

• ‘Kalyanasougandhikam’ brought alive the blend of elements unique to a Kathakali play.

What is ‘Kalyanasougandhikam’?

• Kalyanasougandhikamis a story known for its unique blend of elements that highlight the classicism of Kathakali.
• It was penned by KottayathuThampuran in eighteen century.
• Kalyanasougandhikam is a citation of dance from Kathakali which depicts Bhima’s search for the rare flower Kalyanasougandhikam for his consort Panchali.
• The performance centred on the meeting between the two sons of Vayu — Hanuman and Bhima — when the latter goes in search of the divine flower sougandhikam.
• One of its features is richness of its Sanskrit-dense literature.
• It has the component of the slow and fast dances, twists in plots, and the vitality of background scores.
• It is accompanied with Carnatic music.