Kathakali(Malayalam:കഥകളി) is one of the major forms ofclassical Indian dance. It is a "story play" genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colorful make-up, costumes and facemasks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear.Kathakali primarily developed as a Hindu performance art in theMalayalam-speaking southwestern region of India (Kerala).

Kathakali's roots are unclear. The fully developed style of Kathakali originated around the 17th century, but its roots are in the temple and folk arts (such asKutiyattamand religious drama of the southwestern Indian peninsula), which are traceable to at least the 1st millenniumCE.A Kathakali performance, like all classical dance arts of India, synthesizes music, vocal performers, choreography and hand and facial gestures together to express ideas. However, Kathakali differs in that it also incorporates movements from ancient Indian martial arts and athletic traditions of South India.Kathakali also differs in that the structure and details of its art form developed in the courts and theatres of Hindu principalities, unlike other classical Indian dances which primarily developed inHindu templesand monastic schools.