ANDHRA NATYAM
 The origin of Andhra Natyam dates back to nearly 2000 years. The
dance is also known to be present during the period of Buddhism. The dance form started as
a temple dance performed by a community called the devadasis, as a form of worship.
It has varied forms based on the region it
is performed in, as –
Agama Nartanam – a spiritual form performed inside the sanctum of the temples
on occasions of some rituals.
Carnatakam – an intellectual form performed in royal courts to the
accompaniment of classical music.
Darbari Aatam – the educative form
performed in the courtyards, appealed more to the commoners, to educate them of their
religion, culture and social life.
The form was initially known by different names like Kacheri Aatam, Kelika, Daasi
Aatam, Chinna Melam, Nattuva Melam, Carnatakam and so on. It shares a lot of commonalties
with Bhartanatyam in its origin and style. Both of these are known to have based on
Nandikesa's "Abhinava Darpana" and Bharata's "Natya Shastra". With
this intent in mind Annabhatula Bule Venkata Ratnamma and the dancing ladies
(devagnikas) have decided to give all the dance forms a common name after the name of the
people of the region. Hence the name "Andhra Natyam".
The form revived by some enthusiastic
people, is performed by well-cultured ladies of that period. This was the lasya or female
tradition of dance, which was characterised by a rich display of footwork and abhinaya. As
Abhinaya Andhra Natyam is highly evolved. The stylised makeup and ornamentation are all
today’s features of the art. But, the beautiful ladies of yesteryears wore simple
cotton sarees and sang for themselves with no orchestra accompaniment.
Andhra Natyam as of today comprises not only
the Lasya tradition of female dance but also the male warrior
dance called Perini . The Lasya tradition
earlier was performed gracefully by learned dancers in honour of God Vishnu and the
vigorous Perini Shiva Tandavam performed exclusively
by the kshatriyas, the warrior class of the society to invoke Lord Shiva and seek his
blessings for strength, valour and success in battles. Recently, a formal 5-year diploma
course is also introduced at the Telugu University, Hyderabad. |
