The medieval period in Kerala, spanning from the 9th century CE to the early modern period, was marked by remarkable cultural and artistic achievements. This era saw the flourishing of Malayalam literature, the evolution of classical art forms such as Kathakali, and other cultural developments that shaped Kerala's rich heritage.
Flourishing of Malayalam Literature
Emergence of Malayalam as a Distinct Language
Evolution from Tamil: Malayalam, a derivative of Tamil, began to emerge as a distinct language around the 9th century CE. The influence of Sanskrit enriched its vocabulary and grammar, setting it apart from its Dravidian counterpart.
Transition from Tamil-Brahmi to Vatteluttu Script: This period also witnessed the use of the Vatteluttu script, followed by the Grantha script for Sanskritized forms, providing Malayalam with a dual-script system.
Early Literary Works
Ramacharitam (12th century): Often regarded as the first literary work in Malayalam, this poem narrates episodes from the Ramayana, marking the early stages of the language's literary tradition.
Manipravalam Literature: A unique blend of Sanskrit and Malayalam, Manipravalam flourished during this era. Works such as Lilatilakam, a grammar and poetics treatise, exemplified this style.
Pattu Tradition: Native Malayalam poetry, or Pattu, saw significant growth, with works like Unnuneeli Sandesam, a romantic messenger poem, showcasing the region's poetic ingenuity.
Development of Bhakti Literature
Vaishnavite and Shaivite Influence: Bhakti movements inspired devotional poetry, leading to the composition of hymns and songs praising Vishnu and Shiva.
Ezhuthachan's Contributions: Known as the "Father of Malayalam Literature," Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan enriched Malayalam with his Adhyatma Ramayanam and Mahabharatam Kilippattu, written in a simpler style accessible to the masses.
Growth of Scholarly Texts
Scientific and Philosophical Treatises: Medieval Kerala produced significant scholarly works in medicine, astronomy, and philosophy, reflecting the intellectual vigor of the region.
Temples as Cultural Hubs: Temples acted as repositories of knowledge, with inscriptions and manuscripts fostering the spread of literature.
Development of Kathakali and Other Art Forms
Origins of Kathakali
Transition from Krishnanattam to Kathakali: Kathakali, a classical dance-drama, evolved from the earlier art form Krishnanattam, which depicted episodes from Krishnas life. Kottarakkara Thampuran is credited with adapting this into Kathakali during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Integration of Mythology and Folklore: Stories from epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas formed the basis of Kathakali performances.
Key Elements of Kathakali
Makeup and Costumes: Intricate facial makeup (chutti) and elaborate costumes distinguish Kathakali. The characters' makeup colorsgreen for noble heroes, red for villainsreflect their traits.
Mudras and Expressions: Kathakali emphasizes hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions (navarasas), requiring performers to master nuanced emoting.
Music and Percussion: Traditional instruments like chenda, maddalam, and idakka accompany the performances, enhancing the dramatic effect.
Other Classical Art Forms
Koodiyattam: Recognized as one of the oldest surviving Sanskrit theater traditions, Koodiyattam blended Sanskrit and Malayalam, often performed in temples as part of rituals.
Mohiniyattam: This graceful dance form, associated with femininity and devotion, reached its zenith during the medieval period under royal patronage.
Thullal: Created by the poet Kunjan Nambiar, Thullal combined satire, humor, and social commentary, making it accessible to commoners.
Performing Arts in Rituals
Theyyam: A ritualistic dance form with roots in folk traditions, Theyyam thrived in medieval Kerala, combining dance, music, and spiritual fervor.
Pulikali: Known for its vibrant costumes and body painting, Pulikali emerged as a popular form of festive entertainment.
Cultural Patronage and Influence
Royal Patronage
Zamorin of Calicut: The Zamorins supported the arts, hosting performances and commissioning literary works. They were instrumental in the evolution of Kathakali and other art forms.
Cochin Royal Family: The Cochin rulers encouraged literary and artistic endeavors, creating an environment for cultural growth.
Temple-Centric Culture
Temples as Centers of Art and Literature: Temples played a pivotal role in promoting dance, music, and literature. Festivals became platforms for showcasing these art forms.
Role of Devadasis: Devadasis, or temple dancers, contributed to the development of classical dance forms like Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam.
Interaction with Other Cultures
Arab, Portuguese, and Dutch Influences: Keralas trade relations with foreign powers introduced new cultural elements, enriching its artistic traditions.
Buddhist and Jain Legacy: The remnants of Buddhist and Jain traditions in Kerala influenced its architecture, literature, and art forms.
Impact on Keralas Cultural Identity
The medieval period laid the foundation for Keralas cultural identity, with its literary and artistic innovations continuing to influence modern art and literature. The integration of indigenous and external influences created a unique cultural mosaic, making Kerala a vibrant hub of creativity and tradition.