Koodiyattam is performed in Sanskrit Language and is around two thousand years old. This word means collective enactment. However its origin is shrouded in mystery. This is also mentioned in Sangam literature as well as in certain ancient epigraphs. It is believed that Kulasekhara Varman Cheraman Perumal, an ancient king of tamil chera dynasty, reformed Koodiyattam by introducing the local language for Vidusaka as well as structured the presentation of the play to well defined units.

He wrote two plays, Subhadraharana and Tapatisamvarana and they were staged too. The plays that are presented include Ascaryacudamani of Saktibhadra, Kalyanasaugandhika of Nilakantha, Bhagavadajjuka of Bodhayana, Nagananda of Harsa. Many other plays which are ascribed to Bhasa including Abhiseka and Pratima are also staged. Koodiyattam was performed in special designed temples called koothambalams.

Instruments used in Koodiyattam
The traditional, the main musical instruments used in Koodiyattam are Mizhavu, Kuzhitalam, Etakka, Kurumkuzhal and Sankhu. Mizhavu is a percussion instrument that is played by a person of the Ambalavas Nambiar caste. It is accompanied by Nangyaramma playing the kuzhithalam.

Performance style of Koodiyattam
Koodiyattam has been performed traditionally by Chakyars and by Nangyaramma. The name suggests a combined performance of Chakyar and Nangyar. Chakyar is the main actor who performs the ritualistic Koodiyattam inside the Koothambalam. Female roles are done only by women in Kutiyattam.

It was a practice that elders of the Chakyar community taught it to the youngsters of that community. In 1955 Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar first performed Koodiyattam outside the temple. He wanted the art to survive thereby took it outside the temple precincts. He also performed outside Kerala and made the art popular.

Famous Artists of Koodiyattam
The late Natyacharya Vidushakaratnam Padma Shree Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar has been the best-known artist of Koodiyattam. He was known for Rasa Abhinaya. He had also adopted and directed many plays which include plays such as Kalidasa`s The Recognition of Sakuntala, Vikramorvasiya and Malavikagnimitra; Bhasa`s Swapnavasadatta and Pancharatra. His disciple and nephew Mani Damodara Chakyar is also a Koodiyattam performer. He has performed Koodiyattams like Anguliyanka, Mattavilasa, Mantranka, Ezhamanka.