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Source: The post is based on the article “Mohiniyattam: Johannes Kepler’s Science Fiction Novel, World’s Oldest, To Be Adapted Into Mohiniyattam” published in “NDTV” on 9th December 2023
Why in the News?
Somnium, the world’s first science fiction novel, will be adapted into Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form. The adaptation will be titled “Nilakkanavu” (Moonlit Chronicle).
What is Nilakkanavu?
1) Nilakkanavu is a Mohiniyattam dance performance based on the world’s first science fiction novel, Somnium, written by 17th century German Scientist Johannes Kepler.
2) The performance will be performed at the Samanwayam 2023 national dance-music festival in Palakkad, Kerala.
3) The artistic endeavor was conceptualised by Mankara and is executed by the well-known danseuse Gayathri Madhusudan. The musical landscape of Nilakkanavu is crafted by national award-winning composer Ramesh Narayan.
4) The performance will also pay tribute to the scientists who worked hard to make India’s Chandrayaan Mission a success.
What is Mohiniyattam?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it | It is a classical dance form that originated in Kerala. It derives its name from the word ‘Mohini’, the female avatar of Lord Vishnu. |
| Also known as | Dasiattam, as earlier the dance was practiced by devadasis or temple dancers |
| Flourished under | 1) Chera kings between the 9th and the 12th century CE. 2) In the 19th century, the dance form gained prominence under rulers of Travancore and Tanjore Quartets ( Ponnayya, Chinnayya, Sivananda and Vadivelu). |
| Key Characteristics | 1) It is a solo dance performed by female artists 2) The dance is characterized by graceful, swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps. 3) It belongs to the lasya style which is feminine, tender and graceful. |
| Attire | 1) Plain white or off-white sari with golden or gold-laced brocade embroidery. 2) Golden waist belt and various jewellery pieces. 3) Musical anklets (ghungroo) for rhythmic footwork. |
| Musical Instruments | 1) Carnatic style music. 2) Instruments used: Kuzhitalam (cymbals), Veena, Idakka (hourglass-shaped drum), Mridangam (barrel-shaped drum) and flute. |
| Important Personalities associated | 1) The dance form was revived by Malayali Poet VN Menon and Kalyani Amma. 2) Other important personalities include Mukundraja, Appiradeth Krishna Panicker, Sunanda Nair among others. |
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