From the Sangham era, the art of dancing had progressed gradually and flourished considerably during the Chera period because of the courtesy, patronage and benevolence by the rulers.
Author: Nirmala Paniker
There are enough indicators in Silapathikaram that make us believe that a dance form which was a harbinger of Mohiniyattam was in vogue during those days.
Our myths and ancient literature have many references of Mohini and the lasya dance form.
Female-centric dance forms could have deeper connections to the female goddess worship and Tantric philosophies that flourished in Kerala in the medieval period.
The Lasya and Tandava traditions are deeply intertwined with the legends of Siva and Parvathi and the occult knowledge of the Tantra tradition.
Shiva matters only when it exists in union with Bhairavi. She appears as Mohini, an enchantress, in front of the meditating Bhairava