Chakyarkoothu is a classical dance form of
Kerala. The dance is performed solely by the members of the Chakkiar caste. A fine blend of social satire, mime and comedy, the Chakyarkoothu is usually presented in the Koothambalam or Koothupura of temples. The female members (
Nangiars) of the Chakkiar community perform the Nangyarkoothu.
The performance, based on stories from the epics, begins with an invocation to the presiding deity of the temple. In this dance form, the story is recited in a quasi-dramatic style with emphasis on eloquent declarations with appropriately suggestive facial expressions and hand gestures. Chakyarkoothu is accompanied by the Mizhavu (a percussion instrument) and Ilathalam (cymbals). The Chakkiar satirizes the manners and customs of the present day during the performance.
