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Performing Art · Andhra Pradesh
వీర నాట్యం
The classical-martial dance-drama of Andhra Pradesh — performed with weapons in front of the goddess temples of Andhra, a classical-Buddhist era tradition later revived under Sathavahana patronage.
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Veeranatyam is the classical-martial dance-drama of Andhra Pradesh, performed by men of the Veeramushti community of the Telugu region in front of the goddess temples (particularly of Kali and Durga). The form has roots in the Buddhist era tradition of the Andhras and was practised as the victory-dance of the Buddhist vihara tradition. Under the Sathavahana dynasty the form was revived as the warrior-dance celebrating the victories of the Andhra kings, with the warrior-castes performing it at the court and at the Kali temples of the region. The dance was continued by the Veeramushti community through the medieval period and today is performed at the major goddess temples of the Telugu region (particularly in Warangal and Kurnool) as part of the annual festivals of the goddess. The form is documented in several scholarly works on Telugu classical traditions.
Veeranatyam is performed by the Veeramushti men of the community in a small formal formation in front of the goddess temple, particularly during the Bonalu and the goddess-festival cycles. The performers carry the traditional weapons of the Andhra warrior — the sword, the spear, the shield and occasionally the bow. The dance steps are characterised by the martial high-kicks and the strong, agile postures of the warrior tradition, with the dance honouring the goddess. The dance is accompanied by the dhol and the shehnai (and the nadaswaram in the larger celebrations). Costume is the regional traditional warrior-dress — the dhoti and the small chest-belt with the red turban, and the heavy decorative belt of the martial dance tradition. Performance is held at the temple courtyard or at the public square of the village at the festival.
The classical-martial dance-drama of Andhra Pradesh — performed with weapons in front of the goddess temples of Andhra, a classical-Buddhist era tradition later revived under Sathavahana patronage.
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