kathakali

noun

ka·​tha·​ka·​li

ˌkätəˈkälē

plural -s

: a spectacular lyric dance drama of southern India based on Hindu literature and performed with acrobatic energy and highly stylized pantomime compare bharata natya, kathak, manipuri

Word History

Etymology

Malayalam kathakaḷi drama, from katha story (from Sanskrit kathā talk, from kathā how) + kaḷi play; Sanskrit kathā how akin to Sanskrit ka who?

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