Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakyar Biography 
Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakyar was an artist from Kerala, known as an exponent of Koodiyattam, a derivative Sanskrit theatre in Kerala. For his contributions towards the field of arts, government of India honoured him with Padma Shri in 2008. He belonged to a family which traditionally practised Koodiyattam in temples. Padmabhushan Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, a renowned Koodiyattam performer was his cousin. Noted Koodiyattam artist Margi Madhu is his son. When Koodiyattom was introduced to the dance school Margi in 1981, Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakyar was the first residential guru.
Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakyar was born in the year 1928 in Ammannur, Thrissur district, then British India. He was born into a family of artists, traditionally linked with Koodiyattam. His village Ammannur is a sub-urban area of Irinjalakuda in the district at present. He along with cousin Ammannur Madhava Chakyar originated a new branch (school) of Koodiyattam and named it as Ammannur tradition of Koodiyattam. They together performed on stage with their creative heights and minimum remuneration with which they could hardly sustain themselves. He has been associated with Margi school of cultural arts since 1981 teaching students Koodiyattam. A celebrated guru of this art form, he taught many students including both his sons - Margi Sajeev Narayana Chakiar and Margi Madhu.
In 1998, he joined as the head of Nepathya, a centre for excellence in Kudiyattam. The institute was started by one of his sons, Margi Madhu who is currently one of the leading artists of present generation. Kochukuttan Chakyar passed away in 2009 aged 81. Guru Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakyar Memorial Kutiyttam Festival is conducted annually at Moozhikkulam, a suburb of Kochi in his memory.
Published: September 08, 2018
Updated: September 08, 2018
