The Evolution and Significance of Kuchipudi Dance

Sophisticated dance

Dance has evolved in complexity and style.

Spiritual significance

Dance often conveys rich spiritual meanings.

Entertainment purpose

Dance serves as a form of entertainment.

Ancient Indian dance

One of the oldest forms of dance.

Mohenjo-Daro civilization

Known for early sophistication in dance.

Harappa civilization

Another ancient civilization with dance traditions.

Divinity and dance

Classical dance closely relates to divine themes.

Bharata's NatyaSastra

An immortal text on dance and drama.

Andhra Pradesh dances

Distinct character and appeal in Indian dance.

Gadha Saptasati

Ancient text praising classical dance.

Natyasastra

Written by Bharata Muni, circa 200 B.C.-200 A.D.

Abhinaya Dharpana

Authoritative work by Nandikeshwara on dance.

Nrittaratnavali

Authoritative work by Jayapa Senani on dance.

Andhra commentators

Nanyadeva and others enriched dance literature.

Dance halls references

Historical works mention notable dancers and venues.

Dance poses locations

Pillars of Amaravati and Nagarjuna Konda feature dance.

Types of Abhinaya

Four kinds: Angika, Vachika, Aaharya, Satvika.

Natya Mela

Category of dance drama in Andhra classical dance.

Nattuva Mela

Category of pure dance in Andhra classical dance.

Kuchipudi village

Located in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.

Abul Hasan Tanesha

King who supported the arts in Kuchipudi.

Firman of Tanesha

Gifted 600 acres for Kuchipudi dance endowment.

Bhagavatula Narasanna

Executor of Tanesha's Firman in Kuchipudi.

Kuchipudi Brahmins

Enacted stories from Bhagavatam in performances.

Siddhendra Yogi

Scholar in literature and philosophy, influenced dance.

Kelika performance

Staged by Kuchipudi Brahmins in royal court.

Dance-drama flourishing

Kuchipudi's dance-drama thrived before 1500 A.D.

Brahmin boys' vow

To perform dance or stage once yearly.

Women in dance

Forbidden from participating in dance-dramas.

Siddhendra Yogi's era

Scholars debate his exact time period.

Siddhendra Yogi

A significant figure in Kuchipudi dance tradition.

14th century

Some scholars believe Siddhendra lived in this period.

16th century

Most probable period for Siddhendra's life.

Siddayya

Real name of Siddhendra Yogi.

Kuchipudi

Village associated with Siddhendra's wife.

Benaras (Varanasi)

Place where Siddhendra studied various subjects.

Kollur

Village where Siddhendra saw river swelling signs.

Sastras

Science studies Siddhendra pursued after leaving.

Sanskrit

Language Siddhendra became a scholar in.

Literature

Field of study Siddhendra engaged in.

Aadura Sanyasa

Renunciation taken by Siddhendra to save his life.

Abhaya Mudra

Gesture Siddhendra saw Lord Krishna performing.

Bhamakalapam

Dance-drama created by Siddhendra inspired by Satyabhama.

Satyabhama

Character representing 'Jivatma' in Siddhendra's works.

Krishna

Portrayed as 'Paramatma' in Siddhendra's philosophy.

Sringarasa

Emotion of love depicted in Satyabhama's character.

Pratapa Simha

One of the kings praised in Sabdams.

GollaKalapam

Famous Kalapam written by Bhagavatula Ramayya.

Bhagavatula Ramayya

Proficient dancer and teacher from Kuchipudi.

Yagnapattu

Name under which Ramayya worked on presentational arts.

Milkmaid

Protagonist in Gollakalapam, versed in Hindu scriptures.

Achut-appa Nayaka

Main supporter of Kuchipudi after Vijayanagar Empire.

Achyutapuram

Colony where Nayaka settled Kuchipudi families.

Machipalli village

Historical site dating Kuchipudi back to 1502 A.D.

Yakshaganas

Performance art popularized by Kuchipudi Bhagavats.

Yakshagana

Traditional Indian theatre form, often mythological.

Prahlada

Play presented in three parts.

Kuchipudi Bhagavatas

Performers producing various dance dramas.

Usha Parinayam

Dance drama depicting Usha's marriage.

Sasirekha Parinayam

Story of Sasirekha's marriage.

Harischandra

Drama based on King Harischandra's life.

Mohini Rukmangada

Narrative involving Mohini and Rukmangada.

Ramanatakam

Dance drama centered on Lord Rama.

Gayopakhyanam

Story of the cowherd's tale.

Rukmini Kalyanam

Marriage of Rukmini and Krishna.

Kuchipudi Stage Setup

Open-air stage with spectators on three sides.

Sutradhara

Stage manager conducting and interpreting the play.

Orchestra Instruments

Includes mridangam, flute, violin, tambura.

Costumes of Characters

Crowns and ornaments based on rank.

Dancer Ornaments

Light wooden ornaments, intricately carved.

Kuchipudi Evolution

Shift from male-dominated to female solo performances.

Classical Dance Features

Incorporates all classical dance characteristics.

Natya Sastra

Ancient treatise guiding Indian classical dance.

Common Dance Components

Includes Nritya, Nritta, and Natya.

Nritta

Key differentiating feature of dance styles.

Adavu System

Technique with intricate footwork in Kuchipudi.

Jati Patterns

Complicated patterns set to different jatis.

Lasya Aspect

Feminine grace in dance, significant in Kuchipudi.

Nritta Contributions

Preservation of traditional adavu by notable gurus.

Sabdams

Include poetry, music, and rhythmic syllables.

Solo Dances

Notable works include 'Geetagovinda' and 'Krishnaleela Tarangams'.

Kshetrayya

Famous poet and composer in Kuchipudi tradition.

Kshetrayya

Famous poet originally named Varadayya.

Movva village

Kshetrayya's native village in Krishna District.

Kshetra

Sanskrit term meaning holy place.

Devadasi

A female devotee inspiring Kshetrayya's songs.

Muvva Gopala

Kshetrayya's signature in his works.

Telugu

Language Kshetrayya used for his songs.

Anamacharya

Predecessor influencing Kshetrayya's song style.

Padam

Type of song pioneered by Kshetrayya.

Eight heroines

Types represented in Kshetrayya's songs.

Bhava

Meaning expressed in dance performances.

Rasa

Emotion conveyed through dance and songs.

Angikabhinaya

Expression through limb movement in dance.

Vachikabhinaya

Expression through spoken words in performances.

Satvikabhinaya

Facial expression of mental states in dance.

Nritya

Dance interwoven into all abhinayas.

Puja dance

Initial performance by artists in dance.

Yakshagana

Traditional performance art from South India.

Nava Rasa

Nine emotions displayed in Yakshagana.