HISTORY OF CHAKYARKOOTHU

Probing into the treasure-house of Kerala's culture, we find that Koothu is one of the eminent artistic forms associated with the temples.According to Chilappathikaram this ancient art form of Koothu is more than 1800 years old. The word 'Koothu' has it must be assumed been evolved from 'kurd' the root word which has in turn the verbal form 'Kurdanam'. This appellation used to include

amusements including various forms of dance. Verbal entertainement through narration is Koothu and the one associated with acting solo or in groups described by scholars is Koodiyattom. Generally this form has miming both verbal and physical.

'Koothu' prevalent in Kerala is the art form associated exclusively with the cian calledChakyars. The word Chakyar also has been described in various ways by various people. In the Census Report of 1078 the author has described Chakyars as a crude form evolved from the original'Slakhyar'. Kottarathil Sankunni, the well-known author of the myths and legends of Kerala also has described Chakyar, as the term attributed to those who give expression to commendable words. Also those who had converted from the Buddhism to the vedic religion were called 'Slakyar'. Another interpretation is that Chakyar is another form of the word 'Chakyan'. These interpretation and description continue to be arbitrary and based on assumption.

Though 'Chakyar Koothu' continous to be associated with Kerala, there is referance in the history regarding the arrangements made for koothu in Tanjore during the reign of RajaRajaCholan in 993. It is interesting to find the way, historical referance are interpreted regarding the Kerala art form 'Koothu'. Every age and country had its own modes of entertainments, various of music and dance. In Tamilnadu they might have used the word'Kothu' for some general amusement and scholars are of the view that the same had been established in tanjore also. Wherever it be, it is found that the word'Koothu' occurs as early as 993 in historical documents.

Coming to the relevent form of 'Koothu', ancient exposition of this artistic form was just narration of a story. An example of narration could be found in the 'Soothan' 'Naimisaranya'. Koothu actually in its artistic form was encouraged and patronised, reformed and propagated during the period of 'The perumakkans' of Kerala. Further the names of'Kulasekhara perumal'. 'Cheraman perumal', 'Bhaskara Ravi Varma' are to be mentioned in context. They were the illustrious names and personalities who patronisedthis art form. Thus with the initiative of the poet 'Tholan', the serious and majestic compositions of 'Melpathoor Narayana Bhattathiri' and the reformations and patronisation of the perumakkans. Chakyar Koothu gained an eminent and elavated place among the art forms of Kerala.