Ramayana in Art Forms and Oral Traditions
The term Ramayana , meaning the journey of Rama is a compound word, formed by the combination of Rama and ayana. The latter means journey. There are numerous different kinds of Ramayana plays, mask dances, puppet displays, and dances in India and outside India. T he Ramayana has been the source of inspiration for several art forms and traditions. It, along with the Mahabharata , continues to impact Indian society in a major way. Ramayana (the journey of Rama) = Rama + Ayana (journey) Dance Forms: The Ramayana is portrayed in well-known classical art forms such as Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kathak, and Kathakali, etc. Kathakali emerged from Koodiyattam (literally translates to "dancing together"), Krishnattam, Koothu, etc. Kathakali acquired popularity with the masses by prioritizing dance and music over sophisticated acting, incorporating more movement and drama, and using the vernacular language, Malayalam as opposed to Sanskrit....