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Home / IAS Preparation / Kuchipudi Dance Form

Kuchipudi - Indian Classical Dance Form Notes for UPSC!

Last Updated on Dec 27, 2023
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Kuchipudi is a classical Indian dance form that originated in the village of Kuchipudi in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the six classical dance forms of India, along with Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Odissi. Kuchipudi is known for its graceful movements, expressive facial expressions, and elaborate costumes. Kuchipudi is a dance-drama form, which means that it tells stories through dance, music, and song. 

In this article, let us have a look at the history and evolution of Kuchipudi, its features, the sequence of performances on stage, and renowned artists of the dance form for the UPSC IAS Exam.

About Kuchipudi Dance
  • Kuchipudi is a notable Indian classical dance form counted among the ten leading traditional dance forms of India. It is a dance cum drama performance that emerged in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Like all leading dance forms of India, Kuchipudi also developed as religious art and roots back to ‘Natya Shastra.’ 
  • This dance form is known for its quick moves, lively eye expressions, and hand gestures. 
  • The peculiar concept of the dance form is that the brass plate is moved in accordance with Carnatic music.
  • Kuchipudi performances are generally oriented on Lord Krishna and the tradition of Vaishnavism.

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History and Evolution of Kuchipudi
  • The dance form evolved from itinerant bards reciting poems and religious texts. Its historical roots are traced back to the 10th and 15th-century copper inscriptions of Machupalli Kaifat.
  • In the 17th century, Vaishnava poet Siddhendra Yogi played a pivotal role in shaping the present-day Kuchipudi style.
  • Siddhendra Yogi developed a distinctive style based on Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra and Nandikeshwara’s Abhinaya Darpana.
  • Siddhendra Yogi dreamt of Lord Krishna instructing him to create a dance-drama based on the myth of bringing the parijata flower for Krishna's queen, Sathyabhaama.
  • Kuchipudi's roots also trace back to Yakshagana, the classical dance form of Karnataka.
  • Over time, Kuchipudi became closely associated with Vaishnavism.
  • Originally, male troupes performed Kuchipudi. The narratives were known as Bhagavad Halus, narrating stories from the Bhagavata Purana.
  • With the support of the rulers of Vijayanagar and Golconda, Kuchipudi gained prominence.

Check out this article on Manipuri Dance now.

Major Principles of Kuchipudi

The major principles of Kuchipudi are:

  • Tala and Layam: Tala (rhythm) and laya (tempo) are essential elements of Kuchipudi dance. Kuchipudi dancers must have a strong sense of rhythm. They should be able to maintain the tempo of the dance throughout the performance.
  • Nritta, Nritya, and Natya: Kuchipudi is a dance-drama form. This means that it tells stories through dance, music, and song. Kuchipudi dancers are trained in all three aspects of dance: nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance), and natya (drama).
  • Abhinaya: Abhinaya is the art of facial expression and hand gestures in Kuchipudi dance. Kuchipudi dancers use abhinaya to convey the emotions and meaning of the dance.
  • Adavus: Adavus are the basic dance movements in Kuchipudi. There are many different types of adavus, each with its own unique rhythm and meaning.
  • Jatis: Jatis are combinations of adavus. Kuchipudi dancers use jatis to create complex and challenging choreography.

Check out this article on the Difference between classical dance and folk dance now.

Various Compositions of Kuchipudi Dance

Some of the most popular Kuchipudi compositions include:

  • Tarangam: Tarangam is a dance performed on a brass plate. It is a very challenging dance that requires a great deal of balance and skill.
  • Bhama Kalapam: Bhama Kalapam is a dance-drama that tells the story of the Hindu goddess Satyabhama. It is one of the most popular Kuchipudi compositions. 
  • Arjuna Phalgunudu: Arjuna Phalgunudu is a dance-drama that tells the story of the Hindu warrior Arjuna. 
  • Krishna Lila Tarangini: Krishna Lila Tarangini is a dance-drama that tells the story of the Hindu god Krishna. 
  • Gollakalapam: Gollakalapam is a dance-drama that tells the story of a group of cowherds. 

Check out this article on Kathak now.

Major Features of Kuchipudi Dance
  • Kuchipudi is known for its dynamic footwork, expressive eye movements, and dramatic storytelling.
  • It combines Tandava (masculine) and Lasya (feminine) elements for a balanced performance.
  • Tandava involves energetic and sharp movements expressing the underlying emotions.
  • Lasya showcases graceful and fluid movements.
  • The unique feature involves dancing on a brass plate, moving it in sync with Carnatic music.
  • This art form requires talent in both dancing and singing, setting it apart from other dance forms.
  • Performers wear light makeup and ornaments made of light wood. This includes Boorugu, Rakudi, Chandra Vanki, Adda Bhasa, and Kasina Sara.
  • Common musical instruments used include Mridangam, cymbals, veena, flute, and tambura.
  • Various regional styles or banis have developed.
  • Adaptability in dance styles has been a historical tradition in Kuchipudi. This is evident in Margi and Desi styles from ancient times.
  • A Kuchipudi performance is conducted by a Sutradhara or Nattuvanar.
  • The story is narrated through song by the Sutradhara, another vocalist, or the performers themselves.

Check out the article on Warli Art here.

Sequence of Kuchipudi Dance
  • A Kuchipudi show sequence consists of nritta and nritya in solo or group performance, but if the underlying script is a play, it may encompass a natya.
  • The Kuchipudi performance generally begins with an invocation. Then, each performer and the corresponding role played is introduced, and they then perform a brief opening dance set to music (dharavu).
  • After the Dharavu, the performance presented will be pure dance (Nritta).
  • This is followed by the expressive part of the performance (Nritya), where the story is conveyed through rhythmic hand gestures.

Check out the linked article on Gandhara and Mathura school of Art.

Costumes of Kuchipudi Dance

Women's costumes

Women's Kuchipudi dance costumes typically consist of a sari, a blouse, and a headpiece. The sari is draped in a unique style that allows the dancer to move freely. The blouse is usually short-sleeved and has a deep neckline. The headpiece is a large, elaborate crown that is decorated with flowers and other ornaments.

Men's costumes

Men's Kuchipudi dance costumes typically consist of a dhoti, a vest, and a headpiece. The dhoti is a long, white cloth that is wrapped around the waist and legs. The vest is usually short-sleeved and has a deep neckline. The headpiece is a turban that is decorated with flowers and other ornaments.

Check out this article on Thullal dance now.

Musical Instruments used in Kuchipudi Dance

Kuchipudi dance is accompanied by a variety of musical instruments. The most common instruments used in Kuchipudi dance are:

  • Mridangam
  • Tambura
  • Flute
  • Veena
  • Cymbals
  • Harmonium
  • Violin

Check out this article on Kathakali now.

Famous Exponents of Kuchipudi Dance
  • Vempati Chinna Satyam is a well-known dancer and guru of the Kuchipudi dance form.
  • Indrani Bajpai, daughter of Ragini Devi and Yamini Krishnamurti, developed this art through performances outside the state of Andhra that not only helped attract new students to the dance form but also made it widely popular both on the national and international platforms.
  • Other imminent Kuchipudi dancers include internationally renowned dancing couple Raja and Radha Reddy, their daughter Yamini Reddy; Kaushalya Reddy; Bhavana Reddy, daughter of Raja and Kaushalya Reddy; Lakshmi Narayan Shastri and Swapna Sundari among others.

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We hope all your doubts regarding the dance form of Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi, will have been addressed after going through the article. Testbook provides study material for different competitive examinations. Ace your UPSC preparation by downloading the Testbook App!

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Kuchipudi Dance FAQs

KuchipudiBharatanatyamKuchipudi is a traditional dance form that belongs to Andhra Pradesh.Bharatnatyam is a traditional dance form from Tamil Nadu.The poses of Kuchipudi are more rounded.The poses of Bharatnatyam are more sculptured.Kuchipudi replicates a human being's eternal longing to unite with God.Bharatnatyam is termed as a fire dance that replicates the inner fire within a human body.Kuchipudi dress has a single fan that is longer than the longest fan in the Bharatanatyam costume.Bharatanatyam costume has three fans of unequal lengths.

The main purpose of the Kuchipudi dance form is to highlight the Bhakti, that is the devotion and dedication to the gods and to connect devotees and deities through dance.

Tirtha Narayanayati, a composer of Carnatic music and an ascetic of Advaita Vedanta and his follower Sidhyendra Yogi, a Telugu Brahmin are recognized for creating the present-day edition of Kuchipudi dance in the 17th century.

Tarangam is a part of Kuchipudi performance, in which the dancer performs the dance on the edges of a brass plate with a pot kept on their head. This pot carries water and this movement is considered to be a kind of meditation in this dance form.

Kuchipudi is considered to be unique among the Indian classical dance forms. It employs quick rhythmic footwork with sculptured poses of the body. The use of hand gestures and subtle facial expressions is combined with realistic acting and delivery of dialogues by the dancers occasionally.

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