Telangana Global Summit: What is Kakatiyam dance form? Why is state govt including it in vision document

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu today said Telangana’s distinctive traditional dance form Kakatiyam will be showcased at the upcoming Global Summit.

He was attending a dance program held at Ravindra Bharathi on Thursday evening. The programme was organized by Padma Shri awardee Padmaja Reddy and her troupe.

The move is part of the state government’s efforts to elevate Telangana's cultural heritage on a global stage, aligning with its ambitious economic vision.

Deputy CM Vikramarka Mallu lauded Padmaja Reddy for her dedication to the Kakatiyam tradition.

He congratulated the Padma Shri awardee for her in-depth research on the dance form, its documentation in book form, and its presentation as a dance ballet, which has brought global recognition to the state's culture.

The Deputy CM noted that, unlike many other classical forms that focus on serenity, Kakatiyam is distinct for its powerful depiction of the ancient ritual performed to motivate soldiers before war, a portrayal vividly brought to life by Padmaja Reddy’s team.

He also specifically appreciated the spectacular performance of the serpent dance sequence in the Khaliya Mardanam ballet by Padmaja Reddy’s disciples.

Kakatiyam to Feature in Vision Document

The Deputy Chief Minister also gave an update on the state's development plans. He mentioned that as the government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, completes two years in office on December 7, they are preparing to present a detailed report of the work accomplished.

Crucially, the government will unveil a visionary document on December 8 and 9 outlining the roadmap to make Telangana a three-trillion-dollar economy by 2047. The document will cover key sectors, including:

Infrastructure

Industry

Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Quantum Technology

Highlighting the global nature of this initiative, he stated that the government is inviting internationally renowned personalities and CEOs of leading companies to the Global Summit, where the Kakatiyam dance performance is being considered as a major cultural attraction.

Other dignitaries present at the event included former Union Minister Pallam Raju, Telangana Government Representative in New Delhi Jitender Reddy, Public Service Commission Chairman Burra Venkatesham, and Higher Education Secretary Yogita Rana.

What is Kakatiyam Dance?

The Kakatiyam dance form is a contemporary reconstruction of dance traditions that flourished during the rule of the Kakatiya dynasty (12th–14th centuries) in the Telugu-speaking region, which includes modern-day Telangana.

Origin and Source: It is primarily based on the extensive research conducted by Dr. Padmaja Reddy, who drew inspiration from the ancient Sanskrit treatise 'Nritta Ratnavali' written by Jayapa Senani, a military commander of the Kakatiyas.

Unique Features: The dance incorporates and revives various local and folk dance styles mentioned in the text, such as Perini Shivatandavam (a vigorous warrior dance), Bhramari (a whirling dance), and Kandukanrutyam (a ball/prop dance). This gives it a unique, energetic, and culturally rooted identity, contrasting with some other forms.

Kakatiyam is a relatively newly revived and codified dance form. While its historical roots are ancient, its modern presentation as a distinct dance ballet, 'Kakatiyam,' was first unveiled by Dr. Padmaja Reddy in 2017.

As a result, the number of practitioners is currently small and primarily concentrated in the schools and troupes associated with Dr. Padmaja Reddy and her disciples, mainly in Hyderabad and Telangana.

Dr. Padmaja Reddy, the exponent of this form, has performed her work extensively, including over 3,000 shows in numerous countries, actively working to popularize and establish it globally.