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Difficulty: MediumState Society, Culture, and Heritage

In the context of traditional performing arts and living cultural heritage in Kerala, a specific ritual dance-drama is enacted annually after the summer harvest in Bhagavathi Kavus (goddess temples). Before the dramatic enactment of the mythological battle between the Goddess and the demon Darika, artists draw an intricate, multicolored floor portrait of the deity using natural powders, known as Kalamezhuthu. Which of the following traditional art forms is described here?

  1. MudiyettuAnswer
  2. B
    Koodiyattam
  3. C
    Yakshagana
  4. D
    Bhavai

Answer

The art form described is Mudiyettu, a traditional ritual dance-drama of Kerala featuring Kalamezhuthu floor art and the narrative duel between Goddess Kali and demon Darika.
Mudiyettu is an ancient ritual theatre tradition of Kerala performed in Bhadrakali temple groves (Bhagavathi Kavus). It is enacted by members of the Marar and Kuruppu communities and incorporates the drawing of Kalamezhuthu (a colossal floor image of Goddess Kali made with organic natural pigments) before enacting the mythological triumph of the Goddess over the demon Darika.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical region and cultural context provided in the stem
The ritual art belongs to Kerala, specifically performed in Bhagavathi Kavus (temple groves) following the harvest season.
Establishing the regional and institutional setting eliminates non-Kerala folk traditions.
2
Analyze the core ritual elements and mythological theme described
The performance combines Kalamezhuthu (sacred floor powder art) and the enactment of the victory of Goddess Kali over the demon Darika.
These ritual characteristics uniquely distinguish Mudiyettu from other regional performance traditions such as Koodiyattam or Theyyam.
3
Match the synthesized features to the correct regional art form
Mudiyettu is the recognized ritual theatre tradition matching all stated attributes.
Mudiyettu is celebrated for its sequential ritual stages, beginning with Kalamezhuthu and culminating in the dramatic enactment of the Darika-slaying legend.

Key Concept

Mudiyettu Ritual Theatre and Kalamezhuthu Heritage of Kerala
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

State Society, Culture, and Heritage

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