MANI MADHAVA CHAKYAR

Guru 'Mani Madhava Chakyar' ( Māni Mādhava Chākyār, Sanskrit:मािण माधव चाक्यार्, Malayalam:മാണി മാധവ ചാക്യാര്) (15 February 1899 - 14 January 1990) was a performance artist and Sanskrit scholar from Kerala, South India, considered to be the greatest Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam (ancient Sanskrit drama theatre) artist and authority of modern times.^[1] He was considered as the authority of ''Abhinaya'' (Acting).
He was well versed in all the traditional Koodiyattams and all the ''prabandhas'' used in Chakyar Koothu. He had an exceptional ability to perform ''Rasa-Abhinaya''^[2]. His ''Netrābhinaya''^[3] was world famous and he was had the ability to act only with eyes. He was able to explain the concepts, methods and practices of Koodiyattam and Chakyar Koothu in a clear and scientific way. He had an in depth study of ''Nātyaśāstra'' of Bharata Muni, as well as ways of acting which were popular in Kerala. His knowledge and mastery over both theory and practice of Koodiyattam were superb. He was a veteran teacher and practitioner of these art forms and Sanskrit.^[4] He was the first to take Koodiyattam and Chakyar Koothu outside the precincts of the temples of Kerala to all over India and to impart training in Koodiyattam to non-Chakyar disciples including foreigners. He was a Sanskrit scholar of supreme rank and was used to give lectures and talks in Sanskrit.
He is the author of ''Nātyakalpadrumam'' - the authoritative encyclopedic treatise on all aspects of Koodiyattam. He was a Fellow of important national art academies like Sangeet Natak Akademi^[5] and recipient of coveted titles like "''Nātyāchārya''", "''Vidūshakaratnam''" and prestigious Awards like Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award etc.

Contents

Early life and Education

Master of Rasa-Abhinaya

Reforming the art form

Teaching

Awards, Titles and Honours

Publications

Films and Documentaries

Death

References and Further Readings

Notes

See also

External links

Early life and Education

Māni Mādhava Chākyār was born on February 15, 1899, in his ancestral home at, ''Thiruvangayoor'' near Karayad, of Kozhikode district of Kerala. His father was Vishnu Śarma and mother was Savithri Illotamma. He belonged to the family of ''Māni'' Chakyars of North Kerala, who for centuries have been the custodians of Koodiyattam - the traditional Sanskrit theatre and Chakyar Koothu - another classical art form based on Sanskrit Champu Kavyas.
He had his training in Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam in the traditional way, under the direct guidance of his uncles who were great scholars and masters of these art forms. They were ''Guru Māni Parameswara Chakyar'', ''Guru Māni Neelakandha Chakyar'' and ''Guru Māni Narayana Chakyar''. He belonged to the "Mani" tradition of Koodiyattam and Chakyar Koothu which gives importance to both ''Rasa-abhinaya'' and ''Vachika-abhinaya''.
He was a Sanskrit scholar of supreme rank. He used to give lectures in Sanskrit. He studied ''Alankarashastra'', ''Nātyaśāstra'', ''Vyakarana'', ''Nyaya'', ''Jyotisha'', etc. in the traditional way, under great scholars such as ''Panditaratnam'' Pazhedathu Sankaran Nampoothiripad. He was the beloved student of one of the greatest Sanskrit scholars of all time ''His Highness'' ''Darsanakalanidhi'' 'Rama Varma Parikshith Thampuran' (Maharaja of Cochin). He had his higher studies in ''Nyayashastra'' and ''Natya Shastra'' under him. Mani Madhava Chakyar taught Sanskrit at Balakollasini Sanskrita Pathasala of Killikkurussimangalam.
His first performance (''Arangettam'') of Koodiyattam was at the age of 14 at ''Trikkaikkunnu Temple'' of North Kottayam of Malabar. He used to perform the huge number of ''Atiyantara koothu''s of Mani family (the koothus which are assigned to the family from ancient times) in large number of temples stretching entire Malabar to Thrissur. It consist of all devotional ritualistic Koothus and Kudiyattams including ''Anguliyanka'', ''Mattavilasa Prahasana'', ''Mantranka'', ''Ezhamanka'' ( seventh act of ''Ascharyachoodamani'') about eight decades continuously in temples of Kerala. It includes ancient Kerala temples such as Matayikkavu Bhagavathi Temple of Kannoor, Taliparamba Rajarajeshwara Temple, Kottiyoor Perumal Temple, Lokanarkavu Temple of Vatakara, Thali (Tali) Siva Temple of Kozhikkode, Thirunavaya Navamukunda temple, Pandamangalam Krishna temple of Kottakkal, Kotakkal Vishwambhara (Shiva) temple, Kallekkulagara Emoor Siva temple, Triprayar Sri Rama temple, Peruvanam Shiva temple of Cherpu, Avittathur Shiva Temple etc.
His wife late Smt. ''P.K Kunjimalu Nangiaramma'' was also an expert in Koodiyattams, NangyarKoothu and various Ragas used for the art form. She was the daughter of his uncle Guru Māni Parameswara Chakyar.

Master of Rasa-Abhinaya

He is considered as the all time great master of ''Rasa-abhinaya'' (enacting sentiments in their perfection) with special reference to ''Netrābhinaya'' (enacting sentiments, etc. through the beautiful and masterly movements of eyes only). He was exceptionally well in the field of ''Swatika-Abhinaya''.
He was well known for his roles ( which has importance of ''Swatika-Abhinaya'' in Koodiyattams ) like Ravana (''Katti vesha''), Arjuna (''Pacha vesha''), Udayana (''Pacha vesha''), Jeemootavahana (''Pazhukka vesha'') etc. His abhinaya of the parts of Kutiyattam like '' Kailasoddhārana'' (lifting of Kailasa) and ''Pārvatī Viraha'' (separation of Pārvatī), Films of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi enriched with the Netrabinaya and ''Pakarnnaattam'' - Abhinaya (actor playing the role of another or more than one character shifting constantly without changing costume), were widely acclaimed.
He immortalised the abhinaya of the slokas like ''"sikhinishalabham.."''^[6] by playing it with mere eyes. He was able to act in detail the Moths falling in and out of the lamp fire by evoking his acclaimed Netrabhinaya, with assigning different rasa's for female moth, male moth and the fire.^[7]
He was considered as a reference to ''Abhinaya'' (acting) and his ability to perform the same was considered as "the perfect" by world renowned art critcs like (late) Dr. V. K Narayana Menon (adviser BBC, former Presidant of Sangeet Natak Akademi- New Delhi, National Centre for the Performing Arts- Bombay etc.). His ability to perform ''Netrābhinaya'' is considered as one of the wonders of the art world, ranking alongside the symphonies of Beethoven.^[8]
Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj considered him as one of the finest dancers^[9] -
Noted scholar late Stella Kramrisch ( Curator of Indian Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art ) described him as , after seeing his ''Netrābhinaya''.
Famous Bharatanatyam dancer Balasaraswati remarked about the maesto next day after Chakyar's lecture-demonstration at Madras Music Academy in 1973.
He was known for his extra ordinary ability for expressing the NavaRasas (nine Rasas) to its supreme extent and the photos of the same are and being archived in art institutions, academies such as Sangeet Natak Academy of India, and museums all over the world.^[10]

Reforming the art form

He brought Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam outside Koothambalams of Hindu temples.
The first Koodiyattam performance outside Kerala was held at Chennai (1962) by his troop. He performed Koodiyattam all over India and popularized the same. He along with his troop did Koodiyattam performance in places like Madras (1962, 1973 & 1977), Madhura (1962), New Delhi (1964, 1966, 1974, 1979 & 1983), Varanasi (1964 & 1979), Bombay (1973), Ujjain (1982), Bhopal (1987) etc.
The President of India, scholar and philosopher, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan invited him to perform Kutiyattam at Rashtrapati Bhavan (presidencial palace) in 1964 and was impressed by the Guru's exceptional acting skill. His Kutiyattam performances, lectures and demonstrations at well known centres like ''National Centre for the Performing Arts'' in Bombay, ''International Centre for Kathakali'' in New Delhi, ''Madras Music Academy'' in Chennai fetched wide popularity and recognition for his Abhinaya and Kutiyattam.
He choreographed and directed acts of the plays like Kalidasa's ''Abhijñānaśākuntala'', ''Vikramorvaśīya'' and ''Mālavikāgnimitra'' ; Bhasa's ''Swapnavāsavadatta'' and ''Pancharātra''; Harsha's ''Nagananda'' for the first time in the history of Koodiyattam.
When his guru, His Highness Darsanakalanidhi Rama Varma Parikshith Thampuran wrote a new Sanskrit ''champu prabandha'' called ''Prahlādacharita'' and requested senior artists to study and perform the same on the Chakyar Koothu stage, they said it was impossible for them to stage such a new ''prabandha''. Then the guru asked Mani Madhava Chakiar, who was then a comparatively young artist, to try. He agreed and studied a part of the ''prabandha'' within one night and performed the same on the next day at Tripunithura - the then capital of Cochin state (1962). The incident made the scholars to accept his mastery over both Sanskrit and the classical art form. After some months, he performed entire ''Prahlādacharita '' at the same stage.
He performed Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam for All India Radio and Doordarshan for the first time, which helped to attract thousands of listeners to these traditional art forms. It was he who started 'demonstrations' in Kudiyattam to popularise the same.

Teaching

He taught Koodiyattam for the first time to a non-Chakyar - Nambiar caste member. It was a Polish student named Maria Christopher Byrski^[11] (currently at Department of Indology, Warsaw University), who was then a research student at Banaras Hindu University, came to study the only surviving ancient Sanskrit drama Koodiyattam, from Guru around early 1960s. He stayed at Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar's home and studied Koodiyattam in its traditional ''Gurukula'' way. Lot of research scholars came to study the Sanskrit drama from the ultimate exponant of Kutiyattam and Abhinaya Mani Madhava Cakyar. Dr. Farley Richmond (University of Georgia, USA), noted Sanskrit drama scholar also studied about the ancient Sanskrit art form under Mani Madhava Chakyar by staying at his home at Killikkurussimangalam. He had filmed Rasa Abhinaya and Kutiyattam of the maestro.^[12] Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay of All-India Handicrafts Board came to Guru Maani Madhava Cakyar's home to do research about the costumes used in Kutiyattam (Ahāryābhinaya) (1967). Indian theatre scholar Goverdhan Panjal (National School of Drama) studied about Koothambalams and Kutiyattam under the Guru (1975).^[13]
When Kerala Kalamandalam (a school for the performing arts) was founded by Vallathol Narayana Menon (famous Malayalam poet who reformed Kathakali), he invited authority of ''Rasa-abhinaya'', Mani Madhava Chakyar as the master trainer for ''Rasa-abhinaya'' to the Kathakali students. Later Kerala Kalamandalam, PSV Natyasangham- Kottakkal and Gandhi Seva Sadanam Kathakali Academy- Perur used his services as visiting professor of ''Rasa-abhinaya'' and taught advanced students in Kathakali and Kutiyattam.
^{[14]
[15]
[16]}

He is known as ''“the master who gave eyes to Kathakali”''.
His influence on the classical performing arts of Kerala is famous. Many Koodiyattam, Kathakali, Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam artists were trained by this great master.^{[14][18] [19]} Kathakali artists including legandary Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, Guru Kelu Nair, Anand Shivram, Guru Gopinath, Sadanam Krishnan Kutty are his disciples. ^{[20] [21]
[22]
[23]}
Guru, who was an eminent teacher and performer opened a training centre called ''Mani Madhava Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam'' in 1982 for teaching Kutiyattam, Chakyar Koothu, Nangyar Koothu and related artforms at Killikkurussimangalam(Lakkidi).^[24][25] This institution still keeps its tradition and plays a major role in Kutiyattam teaching, revival and performance.^[26]

Awards, Titles and Honours

Mani Madhava Chakyar is recipient of innumerable Awards, Titles and Degrees. He is one of the most felicitated artist from Kerala. His first major recognition came from ''HH'' 'Bhattan Thampuran'^[27] (Bhatta Raja) of Kodungallur himself at the age of 22. Bhattan Thampuran awarded him with a “'Mudramothiram'” (signed ring) (1921). Although he received a lot of awards, till death Mani Madhava Chakyar considered this Mudramothiram as the prestigious award that he ever got.
He received the most prestigious sacred 'Vīrasringhala' ''or Veerashringhala'' ( It’s a kind of Golden Bracelet, given to the greatest artist/scholar of that era. ) from the great Taliparamba Rajarajeshwara Temple (1923). He is the youngest one to receive this precious award, which is being given to the scholars of the supreme rank, only by the unanimous approval of a special body of temple consisting of eminent scholars. Till date no one else has received a Veerashringhala from there after Mani Madhava Chakyar.^[28] In 1930, he was awarded with the title '“Nātyāchārya”' (Guru of Natya) by Katathanadu Valiya Thampuran (Raja of Katathanadu). Another major Vīrasringhalas that he received are; from Valiya Thampuran of Kottakkal Kovilakam (1952), from Urpassikkavu of Thalassery, from ''His Holiness'' Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham (1961), from Samoothiri Raja of Kozhikkode, given at the eve of Koodiyattam performance at Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple (1964) and from Tripunithura Kovilakam (1989). He was honoured with ''ponnada'' (a kind of silk cloth given as a gesture of honour and respect) from Maharani (Queen) Of Travancore, presented through ''Mahakavi'' Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer at Vaikkam Mahadeva Temple. He was honoured by HH. Rajah of Palakkad by presenting a ''Keshabharam Kireetam''^[29] at Hemambika Temlpe of Kallekkulangara (1962). He has received Gold Medals from Valiya Raja of Katathanadu, Pallikkunnu Bhagavathy Temple of Kannoor etc.
He received the title '“Vidūshakaratna”', again from the Taliparamba Rajarajeshwara Temple (1954) for his excellence in performing “vidūshaka” part in Koodiyattam. Government of India conferred him with Padma Shri (1974) and Emeritus Fellowship (1982). He was conferred by an honorary degree from Banaras Hindu University in 1964.
He has received major National and International awards such as

★ ''Sangeet Natak Akademi Award'' (New Delhi) (1964)^[30] - first national recognition for a Koodiyattam/Chakyar Koothu artist.

★ ''Paderewski Foundation (New York) Certificate'' (1964) - first international recognition for Koodiyattam.

★ ''Padma Shri'' (1974)^[31]

★ ''Kerala Sahitya Academy Award'' - for the book ''Nātyakalpadrumam'' (1975)

★ ''Kerala Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship'' (1976)

★ ''Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship'' (New Delhi) (1982)^[32]

★ ''Government of India Emeritus Fellowship'' (1982)

★ ''Kalidasa Academy Fellowship'' ( ''Ratna Sadasyata'' ) (1982)

★ ''Kerala Kalamandalam Fellowship'' (1983)

★ ''Tulsi Samman of Govt. of Madhya Pradesh'' (1987)^[33][34]

★ ''Guruvayoor Devaswam Award'' (1991) etc.
He was the first Chakyar Koothu and Koodiyattam artist to receive each of these recognitions. Kerala Sangeet Natak Academy's annual Koodiyattam Award is known as 'Maani Madhava Puraskaram'^[35] as a tribute to the maestro.
He has received numerous Honours and Certificates from distinguished institutions and individuals such as ''Akhila Bharata Sanskrit Sammelan'' (World Sanskrit Conference)- New Delhi, Samskrita Ranga - Chennai, Fifth World Sanskrit Conference - Banaras, '''Anushtanakalapravina''' title from Fine Arts Society of Kochi, ''Dr.S. Radhakrishnan'', Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh ( Maharaja of Kasi ), Satyanarayana Sinha, Bishnu Ram Medhi, Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer, Maharaja of Kollengode, Vallathol Narayana Menon, Dr. V. Raghavan, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Dr.V.K Narayana Menon, Dr.Kapila Vatsyayan etc. etc.
Eventhough Guru Mani Madhava Chakkiyar received lot of national recognitions art critics widely believe that he truly deserved a lot more and recognitions came very late.^[36] RKG (Editor, ''The Illustrated Weekly'', Columnist for ''Times of India'') observes^[37],

Publications

Main articles: Nātyakalpadruma


He has written an authoritative, award winning book (in Malayalam) on Koodiyattam called '''Nātyakalpadrumam''' (1975).^[38] This monumental work is being used as a reference by scholars and students. ''Natyakalpadrumam'' deals with all aspects of Koodiyattam in a scientific and critical manner. This book is unarguably considered as the encyclopedia of Koodiyattam.^[39] It has won the prestigious 'Kerala Sahitya Academi Award' (1976).^[40] This book is also translated into Hindi by Sangeet Natak Akademi of New Delhi.^{[41]
[42]
[43]}
One of his other book is 'Matha Vilasam', which is about the choreography and play part ( actor's manual - ''Attaprakara'') used in ''Mattavilasaprahasana'' Kudiyattam. He has also written the ''Attaprakara''s of Abhijñānaśākuntala, Swapnavāsavadatta, Vikramorvaśīya, Mālavikāgnimitra, Pancharātra and Nagananda (Not published).
His biography (in Malayalam), '''Mani Madhaveeyam''' (1999) was published by Department of Cultural Affairs Publications of the Government of Kerala.^[44][45] The book gives the picture of astonishing accomplishing and momentous life of the Guru. It gives an excellent account of his struggles and his lifelong devotion towards the art form. The book includes Guru's memoirs of his illustrious stage life spanning about 80 golden years. Book contains a lot of rare photos giving us an insight to maestro's both personal and theatre life.
Guru has written and presented numerous articles, papers and books on various aspects of Koodiyattam, Abhinaya, Raagas, Natyasastra, Chakyar Koothu, Rasābhinaya in Kathakali etc.

Films and Documentaries

There are several films and documentaries featuring legend Māni Mādhava Chakyar's Rasa-Abhinaya, Koodiyattam performances, illustrious life etc.
'Mani Madhava Chakyar: The Master at Work' ( 1994, Kavalam Narayana Panikar^[46], Central Sangeet Natak Academy, New Delhi) is a biographical film on the life and work of Mani Madhava Chakyar. Films of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi ^[47][48][49]
'Parvati Viraham' (1993, Central Sangeet Natak Academy, New Delhi) features Mani Madhava Chakyar as Ravana in the ''Pārvatī Viraham'' (''separation of Pārvatī'') in Koodiyattam form. It includes the famous ''Pakarnnattam'' abhinaya of the maestro. Films of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi
In 'Manifestations of Shiva' (1981, Malcolm Leigh& Stella Kramrisch, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Asia Society, USA)- critically acclaimed documentary film; he has performed as Lord Siva in Classical Indian dance form.^[50]
[51]
'Kutiyattam- Sanskrit Theater of India'^[52] (Multimedia CD, Farley Richmond (University of Georgia), The University of Michigan Press, USA) contains rare videos of the maestro's Rasa Abhinaya including glimpses of his world famous Netrabhinaya.^[53] The CD also contains the audios of recital of Shlokas and play parts by him in his unique unparalleled style.
A movie directed by Aziz (in Malayalam) about the life of the Guru also stands out.
Chakyar Koothu performance of the prabandha Prahlādacharita, 'Prahladacharitham Chakyar Koothu' (1986, audio, Harisree Audios, Kerala) gives unique feeling of the maestro's ability in narration and recital. It is unique since he hasn't performed Prahlādacharita after the death of his guru HH Rama Varma Parikshith Thampuran in 1964, except for this recording.
Many of his Koodiyattam, Chakyar Koothu performances, demonstrations, interviews etc. were documented by Doordarshan centres of New Delhi, Bombay, Bhopal, Madras, Thiruvananthapuram etc. and All India Radio and is still being broad casted all over India. Documentation of Guru's Kutiyattam performance by Doordarshan Centre Bombai with English commentery of noted art critic and scholar Dr. V. K Narayana Menon is widely acclaimed one.

Death

Mani Madhava Chakyar died at the age of 91 on 14 January 1990 in a private hospital at Ottappalam due to natural causes. His body was cremated with full honours at his Killikkurussimangalam residence. There is a memorial to the Guru at the spot of his cremation.

References and Further Readings

Main source of this article is the book -

★
Other references include

★

★ Sruti- ''India's premier Music and Dance magazine'', August 1990 issue (71)

★ ''Journal of Madras Music Academy'', 1974

★

Notes

1. Spectrum
2. enacting different sentiments in their perfection
3. enacting different sentiments, etc. through the beautiful and masterly movements of eyes only
4. ''On a mission of a cultural sort'', "The Hindu", June 17, 2005 [1]
5. supreme state art academy of Govt. of India
6. from Bhasa's play Swapnavasavadattam
7. Chapter Abhinaya, KUTIYATTAM THEATRE — The Earliest Living Tradition, DC Books, Kottayam-686001, India
8. ;Dr. V. K Narayana Menon; ''Illustrated Weekly of India'', Vol. XCIX- 37, Oct. 1-7, 1978, New Delhi, India
9. Birju Maharaj- the Kathak maestro on the ten finest dancers he has known[2], rediff.com: The Millennium Special
10. Kutiyattam: Sanskrit Theatre of India,'' Asian Theatre Journal'' - Volume 21, Number 2, Fall 2004, pp. 224-225
11. He later became Polish Government Ambassador to India. Now at Warsaw University. He has written numerous articles about Sanskrit drama traditions, especially about Kutiyattam
12. Bowled over by Koodiyattam
13. Searching the soul of Indian theatre
14. http://www.kathakalisadanam.com/achievements.htm
15. http://www.keralatourism.org/index.php?zone=4&menu=59&id=11
16. ''The Statesman''
17. http://www.kathakalisadanam.com/achievements.htm
18. http://ignca.nic.in/nl002404.htm#Abhinaya
19. http://narthaki.com/info/intervw/intrvw61.html
20. http://kerala4u.in/171/the_galaxy_of_gurus
21. Sruti magazine, February 2007
22. Abhinaya, his forte
23. Kathakali: The Dance-Theatre, , Kalamandalam Govindan, Kutty, The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, 2004,

24. Training centres of Kerala, Kerala Govt.
25. http://www.indiaheritage.org/perform/dance/dkerala.htm#Kutiyattam
26. New life for Koodiyattom act
27. greatest Sanskrit scholar of Kerala in this century
28. http://www.geocities.com/chavanapuzha/cmp-scholars.htm
29. Kind of Crown used in Kutiyattam. See the crown in
30. Sangeet Natak Akademi official list of awardees
31. Govt. of India, Padma Shree Awardees http://www.india.gov.in/myindia/images/ps_awards.pdf.
32. official list from Sangeet Natak Akademi
33. Kalidasa Academy, Ujjain http://ujjain.nic.in/kalidasa_academi/kalidasa_samaroh.htm
34. Sunil Kothari, M.P. Government's cultural awards, Sruti. Issue 31, Apr 1987, p. 4-5 OCLC: 79366285 http://worldcat.org/oclc/79366285&referer=brief_results
35. http://www.kalakeralam.com/artnews/sangeetha_award.htm
36. Leela Venkatraman, ''An index of merit?'', "The Hindu", December 27, 1998 [3]
37.

38. Nāṭyakalpadrumam
39. Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy and Venkateswarier Subramaniam, "The Sacred and the Secular in India's Performing Arts: Ananda K. Coomaraswamy Centenary Essays"(1980), Ashish Publishers, p. 150.
40. see section ''Miscellaneous'' http://www.dcbooks.com/Kerala.htm
41. Books and films
42. Nāṭyakalpadruma : Kerala kī Kūṭiyāṭṭam nāṭyakalā kī rūparekhā(Hindi)
43. Natyakalpadruma (Hindi)
44. Publications of Dept. of Cultre, Kerala Govt. http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_culture/books.htm
45. First published as a series in the Malayalam weekly - ''Kalakaumudi'' in 1991
46. play writer, director, poet and fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi and former secretery of Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademy
47. Asia-Pacific Database on Intangible Cultural Heritage
48. Mani Madhava Chakyar the master at work, http://worldcat.org/oclc/70799359&referer=brief_results
49. http://www.library.yorku.ca/subjectguides/view_item.php?catalog_key=1605522
50. Mani Madhava Chakkiar, British Film Institute
51. Manifestations of Shiva
52. Kutiyattam Sanskrit Theater of India, Farley Richmond,University of Michigan Press
53. Reviews from Amazon.com

See also

★ Nātyakalpadrumam

★ Mani Damodara Chakyar

★ Sanskrit Theatre

★ Chakyar Koothu

★ Kutiyattam

★ Navarasa

★ Kathakali

★ Mohiniyattam

★ Thulall

External links

★ Films ( of Sangeet Natak Academy ) featuring Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar

★ Kutiyattam - Sanskrit Theater of India (Multimedia CD) by Dr.Farley Richmond
(It contains rare video collections of Rasa Abhinaya and Netrabhinaya by the maestro)

★ About the Golden Bracelet ( an honour given to the supreme scholar/artist ) that Mani Madhava Chakyar received from Sri Raja Rajeswara Temple of Taliparambu

★ Natyakalpadrumam, University of Washington

★ buy Natyakalpadrumam

★ pencil sketchs of great Indian classical vocalists, musicians and dancers

★ Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj on top Indian dancers

★ Data Bank on Traditional performances of Sangeet Natak Academy, New Delhi

★ Mani Madhava Chakyar, Le Théâtre dansé du Kerala

★ Chakkiar, Mani Madhava at ' British Film Institute'

★ Film: Manifestations of Shiva, starring Mani Madhava Chakyar

★ more on ''Manifestations of Shiva''

★ Publications of Department of Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Kerala