About Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum
The Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum is a cultural museum located in Kottarakkara town in Kollam district, Kerala. Situated in the birthplace of Kathakali, it is dedicated to the classical dance-drama form that evolved from Ramanattam created by Kottarakkara Thampuran in the 17th century. The museum displays Kathakali costumes, headgear, ornaments, makeup materials, models and photographs documenting the history and evolution of the art form.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small indoor museum with display galleries showcasing life-size Kathakali figures in full costume, traditional headgear and ornaments, makeup kits, and informational panels and photographs explaining the origin of Ramanattam and development of Kathakali. The setting is within Kottarakkara town, close to the historic palace area, offering an educational overview of the art form's characters, stories and performance traditions.
Key highlights
- 01
Displays of authentic Kathakali costumes and large headgear (kireetam)
- 02
Collection of traditional ornaments and makeup materials used for Kathakali vesham
- 03
Life-size models of Kathakali characters in different vesham types
- 04
Photographs and panels tracing history from Ramanattam to Kathakali
- 05
Association with Kottarakkara Thampuran, creator of Ramanattam
History of Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum
Kottarakkara is regarded as the birthplace of Kathakali. The art form evolved from Ramanattam, created in the 17th century by Kottarakkara Thampuran (Veera Kerala Varma), the ruler of Kottarakkara. The museum documents this origin and the subsequent development of Kathakali as a classical dance-drama of Kerala.
Culture & Context
The museum is dedicated to Kathakali, one of Kerala's major classical art forms. It preserves and presents the costumes, headgear, ornaments, makeup traditions and character types of Kathakali, reflecting the cultural heritage of Kottarakkara and its contribution to Kerala's performing arts.
Route
| By air |
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