Empowerment of Women and Children Through Performance of Indian Classical Art Form – A Case Study with Special Reference to Mohiniyattam of Kerala

Abstract

Empowerment means such level of cognitive, affective and behavioural growth and development within the individual, which will enable one to do more self depending and self sustaining activities. Observation reads that traditional Indian classical art forms, especially, Mohiniyattom of Kerala brings positive, affective, behaviour and cognitive changes in women, especially in girls. These positive changes are empowering, in nature. Thus an attempt is made to study the concept of empowerment of women through learning traditional classical art forms which is of great significance in the present scenario.The aim and object of the study was to explore a distinct idion for Mohiniyattom. That is, to develop a method of using Mohiniyattom, as a process that will permit them to utilize their own relative potential within the medium of Mohiniyattom, using traditional dance resources. Thus the study was conducted with the objective of finding out the relationship between empowerment of women and children and performance of classical art forms - especially Mohiniyattom of Kerala. The study reveals that dance for the youth can be an affective medium to make a qualitative transformation in their lives. It has also been seen that learning Mohiniyattom has improved their total personality in all aspects.It also revealed that the learning and practice of Mohiniyattom is having a positive impact on the psycho neuro immunological system of women. By involving age old women in small groups with the slogan ‘CATCH them Old”, even provides cure for certain physical ailments in old age such as high blood pressure, mental depression, arthritis, astama etc. Learning of art forms can have even positive effect on memory, intelligence and emotional status. Art forms can revitalize the enthusiasm and physical fitness of women above forty, years which will give a therapic effect to ‘NATYA SASTRAH’. By performing Mohiniyattom we can brings down even the anxiety and depression level of people.The study will throw light on Indian art forms and its impact on women empowerment and will boost the self concept of women in a traditional and spiritual way. It can ensure improved performance on all components like general health, academic performance, general mental status, social adjustments and personal adjustments.India, now facing a lot of family disputes and increased rate of divorce, is evident from cases pending and ever increasing in family courts. An empowered women may be able to adjust to the condition and shape it in favour of them. Monetary empowerment alone will not make the women empowered. There is a proverb that if six to nine is okay, then nine to six will be okay. It means that if family life is okay, work life is better. Both are related. Only empowered women can make a harmonious family life and which is turn will benefits the society as a whole. Thus women empowerment is an unavoidable element. We should develop a method of using traditional classical art forms. Mohiniyattom for improving cognitive, affective and behavioural empowerment of women, which will permit them to utilize their own unique potential to the limit of the excellence.