UPSC Prelims
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Prelims Pinpointer — August 21, 2026
Today’s high-yield Prelims facts — Kathakali’s origins and technique, and the Supreme Court’s fresh definition of “industry” under the new Industrial Relations Code, 2020
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Kathakali
What Is Kathakali?
- A classical dance-drama (one of India’s 8 classical dance forms), from Kerala, emerging in the 17th century in the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore.
- Name from “Katha” (story) + “Kali” (performance) = “Story-Play”; also called “Attakatha.”
- Represents a fusion of Aryan and Dravidian cultures.
Origin & Textual Sources
- Based on the ancient Natya Shastra (Sage Bharata); hand gestures drawn from Hastalakshana Deepika; also derives sanction from Balarama Bharatam.
- Precursors: Krishnanattam (Zamorin ruler of Calicut) and Ramanattam (created by Kottarakkara Thampuran, based on the Ramayana) — Ramanattam is considered the direct genesis of Kathakali.
- Influenced by Kutiyattam, Chakiyarkoothu, Theyyam, Mudiyettu and Kalaripayattu (martial arts).
Key Features
- Four aspects of Abhinaya: Angika (body), Aharya (costume), Vachika (speech), Satvika (emotion).
- Combines Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance) and Natya (drama); ~24 basic hand gestures (Hastamudras); Navarasa — the nine facial expressions.
- Music style: Sopanam; instruments: Chenda, Maddalam and Edakka.
- Character types by Gunas: Satvika (noble/heroic), Rajasika (brave with an evil streak), Tamasika (bearded, evil).
Exam trap: Traditionally an all-male dance form (men played female roles too); nearly went extinct in the early 20th century and was revived by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon (with Manakkulam Mukunda Raja) through the Kerala Kalamandalam.
Source: The Hindu
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Definition of ‘Industry’ Under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020
News Context
- A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court held that the 1978 broad definition of “industry” (from the Bangalore Water Supply case) will NOT apply under the new Industrial Relations Code (IRC), 2020.
- The Court said “industry” under the IRC must be interpreted on its “own text and context” — a clean slate.
The 1978 Bangalore Water Supply Case — Background
- Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board v. R. Rajappa (1978) was decided by a seven-judge Constitution Bench, lead judgment by Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer.
- Gave a broad interpretation of “industry” under Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, extending labour-law protection to workers in hospitals, educational institutions and municipalities.
- Triple Test for ‘industry’: (1) systematic/organised activity, (2) carried out through employer-employee cooperation, (3) for production or distribution of goods and services to satisfy human wants.
About the Four Labour Codes
- India has consolidated 29 old labour laws into 4 Labour Codes: Code on Wages, 2019; Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Code on Social Security, 2020; Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.
- The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 merges three older laws: the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947; the Trade Unions Act, 1926; and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946.
Source: The Hindu
