Kerala has had its own pristine musical heritage, known
as
Sopana Sangeetam. Sopanam literally means the steps leading towards the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The singer standing to the left of the sopanam sings Jayadev's Ashtapati (Geeta Govinda) in praise of Lord Krishna with Edakka (a typical Kerala percussion instrument). The general belief is that the name Sopana Sangeetam might have been evolved from this.
In Sopana Sangeetam "music was considered to be only a vehicle for the words of the composition, its function was to help in the expression of bhavams (different moods and feelings) by the actor as well as appreciation by the audience and so ornamentation by employing gamakas (a technique used in Carnatic music) was avoided. The influence of Carnatic music has made the style almost extinct. ('A dictionary of Kathakali' by KPS Menon).
Another typical characteristic of Sopana Sangeetam is that it employs the gradual ascending and descending of laya (speed) most poetically. The best example of the individuality of Sopana sangeetam is the traditional Kathakali music.
It is believed that traditionally Mohiniyattam was having Sopana style of singing and at the time of the revival of the art form during the period of Maharaj Swati Thirunal (1813-1846) the influence of Carnatic music had crept in.
