Ammannur Madhava Chakyar Biography 
Ammannur Madhava Chakyar was an artist from Kerala, known as an exponent of Koodiyattam, a derivative Sanskrit drama in Kerala, but mostly seen as a temple art with stories derived from Hindu mythology. For his contributions towards the field of arts, government of India honoured him with Padmabhushan in 2003. He was also a recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. He belonged to a family which traditionally practised Koodiyattam in temples. Padmashree Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakyar, a renowned Koodiyattam performer was his cousin. Noted Koodiyattam artists, Margi Sajeev Narayana Chakiar and Margi Madhu are his nephews, and he has trained both of them.
Ammannur Madhava Chakyar was born on 13 May 1917 in Thrissur, Kerala. He was one of the stalwarts of a renaissance in Koodiyattam in the 20th century and great teacher of this art too. He belonged to a family of artists, traditionally linked with Koodiyattam, and those who have performed in temples for many generations. He was the nephew of the patriarch Ammannur Chachu Chakyar. Ammannur Madhava Chakyar too followed the same path, and played a magnificent role in reviving this art. He along with cousin Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakyar originated a new school of Koodiyattam known as Ammannur tradition. They together performed on stage with their creative heights and minimum remuneration with which they could hardly sustain themselves.
Madhava Chakyar established himself in the field as an exemplary actor and excellent guru too. He was immersed totally in chaturvidhabhinaya of Koodiyattam. His close reading of Sanskrit plays helped him a lot in his profession too. A multifaceted personality, he remained centre stage for over half a century. He passed away on 2 July 2008 aged 91. His roles as Arjuna in the play Subhadradhananjayam and as Soorpanakha in the play Soorpanakhangam are most memorable roles.
Published: September 08, 2018
Updated: September 08, 2018
