How many types of makeup (vesham) are used for the performers of Kathakali dance?

The correct answer is 5.

Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama form originating from Kerala, India, is highly renowned for its elaborate and colorful make-up (vesham) and costumes. The make-up is used to represent the nature, qualities, and mental disposition of the characters being portrayed. The performers' make-up is broadly classified into five main types (veshams):

1. Pacha (Green): This type represents noble, righteous, and heroic characters, such as kings, gods, and virtuous heroes (e.g., Sri Rama, Krishna, Arjuna, and Yudhishthira). The face is painted predominantly green, with a white frame (chutti) extending along the jawline.
2. Kathi (Knife): This category represents characters who are powerful and possess some noble qualities, but are ultimately dominated by negative traits like pride, lust, or anger. Examples include Ravana, Duryodhana, and Kichaka. They also have a green base but with red streaks or patterns on the cheek, along with white knobs on the nose and forehead.
3. Kari (Black): This type is used for characters who are demonic, evil, or uncivilized. The base color is black, and they typically represent aggressive or forest-dwelling characters, such as Surpanakha.
4. Thaadi (Beard): The beard category is further divided by color:

• Chuvanna Thaadi (Red Beard): For extremely vicious, evil, and destructive characters (e.g., Dushasana, Bakasura).
• Vellai Thaadi (White Beard): For saintly, divine, or heroic animal characters (e.g., Hanuman).
• Karutha Thaadi (Black Beard): For primitive characters, hunters, or tricksters.

5. Minukku (Radiant/Polished): This gentle and natural-looking make-up is used to represent female characters (like Sita, Draupadi, and Mohini), as well as sages, brahmins, and messengers. The face is painted in a warm, yellowish-flesh tone, without the elaborate structure of the other veshams.

Therefore, there are 5 major types of make-up (vesham) used for Kathakali performers.