SOUTH INDIAN CULTURE- ANDHRA PRADESH

SOUTH INDIAN CULTURE – ANDHRA PRADESH

On the south east coast of India rests the state of Andhra Pradesh, surrounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, Karnataka in the west, Telangana in the north-west, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in the north-east, and Tamil Nadu in the south.

Andhra Pradesh possesses the second longest coastline among the states of India and is the eighth largest state of them all. Another asset for the state to behold is its distinct and attractive culture, painted by the different arts, crafts, religions, language, cuisine, cinema and literature.

ARTS

The many museums in Andhra Pradesh, such as the Amaravati Archaeological Museum, Visakha Museum and Telugu Cultural Museum feature numerous paintings, weapons, cutlery, idols, sculptures, inscriptions and religious artefacts. 

PERFORMING ARTS

Dance: Kuchipudi is the best known classical dance forms of the state. Other dance forms that have been prevalent through the history of Andhra Pradesh include, Chenchu Bhagotam, Bhamakalapam, Burrakatha, Veeranatyam, Butta bommalu, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Dhimsa, and Kolattam. Classical dance can be performed by both males and females. Where, traditionally, dance had been learned and practised by the men alone, with time, the art began to be performed by the women as well.

Music: Music and songs are another class of important art forms in Andhra Pradesh. Thyagaraja and Syama Sastri, two legendary Carnatic musicians among the Trinity of Carnatic Music, were of Telugu descent. Other composers include Annamacharya, Kshetrayya, and Bhadrachala Ramadasu, who furnished their native state with their beautiful art. Folk music is predominant in the rural areas of the state, where it carries substantial popularity and importance.

Cinema: Harikathaa Kalakshepam is an art form of Andhra Pradesh which involves the narration of a story, intermingled with various related songs. Burra katha is an oral storytelling technique that focuses on either Hindu mythological stories or contemporary social issues. Rangasthalam is an Indian theatre in the Telugu language, based in Andhra Pradesh. The Telugu film industry is largely based in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam and is the second-largest film industry in India next to Bollywood Film Industry.

RELIGION 

Andhra Pradesh is native to Hindu saints of all castes and also many important modern day saints. Tirupati or Tirumala, Simhachalam, Srisailam   are the pilgrimage places in the state. 

ARCHITECTURE

 The architectural traditions in Andhra Pradesh are reflected in the building of the city of Amaravathi, the ancient capital of Satavahana dynasty and the various temples and forts of the state. The former emphasizes use of intricate sculpture, inspired by religious themes, while the latter shows use of enormous limestone and granite reserves of the region.

LANGUAGE

Telugu is the official language of Andhra Pradesh and has been declared to be a classical language, while English is spoken widely in the state in official and business environments.

LITERATURE

 Telugu is an ancient language with a deep and rich literary culture. Being a vibrant and evolving modern language, it has a global reach. Telugu literature is influenced by Sanskrit literature and Hindu scriptures.

CUISINE 

Rice is the staple food and is used in a wide variety of ways. Rice is either boiled and eaten with curry, or made into a batter for use in a crepe-like dish called attu (pesarattu) or dosas. Bandhar Laddu, Avakaya, Gongura, Pulusu, pappu charu, jonna kudu, bobbattu, kaza and arisa are part of Andhra cuisine which uses spices, fruit and vegetable harvests of the region.

DONE BY: FAADILA AISHA