Question

Compare and contrast between bharatanatyam and kuchipudi

Answer 1

Bharatnatyam is a distinctive traditional form of Indian classical dance originating from the culturally rich state of Tamil Nadu. On the other hand Kuchipudi is a traditional Indian classical dance form originating in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Bharatnatyam is a unique dance form that stands for the diverse reconstructions of the ancient art of Cathir which were revived in the 19th and 20th century. Cathir was the traditional art of the extraordinary temple dancers portraying some of the most distinctive ancient dance forms. The etymology of this dance form comes from the name of a little village within the place called Divi Taluq in the Krishna district, bordering the Bay of Bengal. This particular dance form was traditionally practiced by the Brahmin inhabitants of this village and hence the name. Kuchipudi as a classical dance form achieved excellence during the rule of Abdul Hassan Tanesha of the Golconda Dynasty. The King was so mesmerized with this novel dance form that he gave 600 acres of territory as a bequest from Tanesha to the Kuchipudi Brahmins for the grand presenting of this dance.

Cathir and Bharatnatyam are dance forms primarily inspired by the sculptures of the antique Chidambaram Temple. The very name Bharatnatyam denotes BHA or Bhava meaning Expression, RA or Raga meaning Music and TA or Tala meaning Rhythm. On the other hand Kuchipudi or ‘Koochipoodi’ which is the traditional pronunciation is an initiated dance form that primarily originated from the creations and contributions of the original Brahmin dancers.

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