from a greater Tamil-heritage region known as Tamilakam. Later,
Kerala’s culture was elaborated on through centuries of contact
with overseas cultures. Native performing arts include
koodiyattom, kathakali and its offshoot Kerala natanam, koothu,
mohiniaattam ottamthullal, padayani, and theyyam. Apart from
these there are several religion related art forms such as chavittu
nadakom and oppana. Pulikkali, performed during Onam festival
has a spectacular view. There are also several ancient ritualised
arts including the martial art form of kalaripayattu. Other ritual
arts include theyyam, poorakkali and Kuthiyottam. Kuthiyottam
is a ritualistic symbolic representation of human bali. Folklore
exponents see this art form, with enchanting well structured
choreography and songs, as one among the rare Adi Dravida
folklore traditions still preserved and practiced in Central Kerala
in accordance to the true tradition and environment. In respect
of Fine Arts, the State has an abounding tradition of both ancient
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