The play 'Nalacharitham', written by Unnayi Warrier, is associated with which classical dance-drama?

The correct answer is Kathakali. Nalacharitham (also spelt Nalacharitam) is one of the most famous attakathas (plays) of Kathakali, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. It was written in the 18th century by the poet Unnayi Warrier, and it is considered one of the greatest works of Malayalam literature.

Nalacharitham tells the story of King Nala and Princess Damayanti, which comes from the Mahabharata. Nala and Damayanti fall in love through the messages of a golden swan, and Damayanti chooses Nala as her husband at her swayamvara, in preference to the gods who had also come to seek her hand. Later, the evil spirit Kali takes possession of Nala, and he loses his kingdom in a game of dice. Nala and Damayanti are separated in the forest, and both go through many hardships before they are finally reunited. The play is divided into four parts, which are traditionally performed on four separate nights. Nalacharitham is admired for its rich poetry, its depth of emotion and its complex characters, especially Nala, whose character changes through the story. Because of this, it offers great scope for abhinaya, and it is considered a challenge for Kathakali actors. Some critics have called it the "Shakuntalam of Kerala".

Kathakali texts, called attakathas, are written in Manipravalam, a literary style that mixes Malayalam and Sanskrit. Other famous attakathas include the plays of Kottayam Thampuran (such as Kalyanasougandhikam and Kirmeeravadham) and the works of Irayimman Thampi.

About the other options:

• Mohiniyattam is a solo dance of Kerala and does not perform long dance-dramas like Nalacharitham.
• Kuchipudi is linked with the dance-drama Bhama Kalapam of Siddhendra Yogi.
• Odissi is linked with the Gita Govinda of Jayadeva.