This belongs to Karnataka and has a rural origin. It is an admixture of dance and drama. Its heart lies in 'Gana' meaning music. It is about 400 years old. The language is Kannada and the themes are based on Hindu epics.The costumes are almost akin to the Kathakali ones and the style seems to have drawn inspiration from Kathakali. As prescribed in the Natya Shastra, it has the Suthra Dhara (conductor) and the Vidhushaka (the Jester).