Splendour of the Classical Dances of Andhra Pradesh

by Kalaprapoorna Varalakshmi Janapathy

My aim is to present the history, origin, technique and basic principles underlying the dance forms of Andhra Pradesh.  A study of the art, architecture and literature through the ages reveals that the art of dance flourished and occupied a special place in the evolution of Andhra place in the evolution of Andhra Culture.  "Andhri" style referred to by Bharata in his Natyasastra related to Telugu Land.  Popularity of compositions of Kshetrayya, narayana Tundha, and others richly contributed to the enrichment of various styles. 

Madhura Bhakti of Atma was a popular theme in the remote past and was replaced by Sringararasa later on through the popularity of Satyabhama and Nayaka-Nayaki Bhava.  Now there is world wide interest on account of the Lasya and Abhinaya of these forms.  Several regional forms of dance, dance dramas, folk dances, classical dances and various others forms existed for centuries in Andhra Desa, as an essential part of sacred rites and festivals patronized by the royalty, practiced by the artists and appreciated by the elite of society, as well as commoners.

About the Author:

Varalakshmi Janapathy studied at the well-known Andhra Christian College, Guntur and Law College Madras. Tooka P.G. Diploma in Politics and Public Administration from Madras University and another Diploma in Journalism from BIET, Bombay. Is a well-known Writer. Her interests range from music to gardening. Her short stories were published broadcast over the radio. She worked as a programme Officer in AIR on deputation to Government of India. Her research work on Indian Woman through the Ages was acclaimed by the elite and the press as one of the outstanding works of the Women's International year and won for her the coveted AP Sahitya Academy Award for 1980.

Grihalakshmi Swarna Kankanam of Kesari Kuteeram Madras (1982) (1988) and Kalaprapoorna from Andhra University in addition to several other awards like Durga Bai Deshmukh Award and life achivement award from Vivekananda Institute of Human excellence (2004). She toured Hongkong, Thailand and Philippinies, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Finland, Mauritius and Singapore. A good debater and an orator and participated in several national and international conferences and presented papers.