Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, South India, dating back to the 17th century and rooted in Hindu mythology. It has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Costumes and makeup in Kathakali are intricate art forms utilizing wood carving and crude materials like sulfur and rice paste. While dance is an element, the focus is more on dramatic acting through hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions to portray stories and characters from Hindu epics and mythology. Training can take 8-10 years and draws from techniques of Kalaripayattu martial arts.

1. KATHAKALI The classical dance-drama of Kerala KATHAKALI MUSIC IMAGES www.cyberkerala.com

19. Flag (Golden Bangle) (Parrot's peek) (The fruit of a tree) Swan's wing) (Deer's head) (Needle's sharp point (Beetle) (Sprout) (Serpant's head) Deer's head) (Scissor's sharp point)

30. A rare collection of Navarasas (facial expressions of nine different moods) by renowned Kathakali actor Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair

53. http://www.slideshare.net/thankachan.vp THE END