Significance of Mizhavu Vadya in Kudiyattam, The Age-old Sanskrit Theatre Tradition of Kerala

Natyashastra deals with four types of Abhinaya (acting), namely Angika, Vachika, Aharya and Satwika. Vachikabhinaya, in addition to the dialogues and songs, also includes the instrumental music within its scope. Mizhavu, the accompanying drum used in Kudiyattam, is the most ancient of all musical instruments that are still in practice and fits into the category of Avanadha vadya. Traditional Sanskrit theatre performance of Kudiyattam recognized by UNESCO is the only surviving tradition of the ancient Sanskrit theatre with an attested history of over a thousand years. Mizhavu is personified as a revered Brahmachari and respectfully treated with utmost reverence. All rituals associated with the life-cycle of a Brahmin, except weddings, are done to Mizhavu. Age-old pedagogical approach followed in Kudiyattam demands a percussion artiste of Mizhavu to have a comprehensive understanding of the Theatre form. ‘Thouryathrika’ cannot be accomplished in the absence of a skilled Mizhavu artist to accompany a Kudiyattam performance.