History has it that Raja (ruler) of Kottarakkara (a province in Kerala) sculpted Ramanattom when the Zamorin (then ruler of Kozhikode), refused to allow a performance of Krishnanattom in the former's palace. Subsequently, Kottayam Thampuran (ruler of Kottayam, another province in Kerala) composed several plays on Mahabharatha thereby making these distinct from stories based on Ramanattom. Thus, Kathakali was born. Kathakali is traditionally performed in the Hindu temple, but nowadays may also be seen in theatre performances. All the drama and dance are accompanied by powerful vocal music. Drummers provide a rhythmic background to the drama. Kathakali performances usually begin with a musical note called Thiranottam. The dance extravaganza last all through night to dawn.