Kuchipudi

Context:

Article in The Hindu on the struggle of Kuchipudi artists for survival

Kuchipudi:

• One of the Indian Classical dances belonging to Andhra Pradesh.
• History –
  • Initially performed by a group of artists going from village to village, known as Kusselavas
• • In 17^th century Siddhendra Yogi formalised and systematised the tradition
    • He authored Bhama Kalapam
  • With the advent of Vaishnavism, stories of Bhagavat Purana became a central theme and dancers came to be known as Bhagavathalus.
• Patronised by –Vijayanagara and Golconda rulers
• Features –
  • Performed either as a solo, duet or a group
  • Characterised by intricate footwork
  • Incorporates the elements of pure dance (Nritta) and expressive dance (Nritya) elements, as well as storytelling through dance (Natya).
  • Both Lasya and Tandava elements are important
• Popular elements in Kuchipudi –
  • Manduk Shabdam – Tells the story of a frog
  • Tarangam – Performance on the edge of a brass plate
  • Jala Chitra Nrityam – Dancer draws pictures on the floor with his or her toes while dancing
• Music – Carnatic Music
• Musical instruments – Mridangam, Cymbals, Veena, Flute and the Tambur
• Famous Proponents – Balasaraswati, Ragini Devi, Radha Reddy and Raja Reddy, Yamini Krishnamurthy

Source: The Hindu

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Previous Year Question

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues are found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2012 Prelims]

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is incorrect. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Kuchipudi.

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