Culture of Andhra Pradesh

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Part of a series on the

Culture of Andhra Pradesh

History

 History of Andhra Pradesh

 Economy of Andhra Pradesh
 Telangana movement
 Politics of Andhra Pradesh

People and culture

 Telugu people
 Telugu language
 Telugu cuisine
 Music of Andhra Pradesh
 Shadow Puppets of Andhra Pradesh
 Telugu Literature
 Tourism in Andhra Pradesh
 Telugu cinema
  Andhra Pradesh portal

 v
 t
 e

Culture of Andhra Pradesh state in India has many aspects to it.

Contents
 1 Cultural History
 2 Cuisine
 3 Dance
 4 Harikatha
 5 Festivals
 6 Literature
 7 Movies
 8 Music
 9 Religion
o 9.1 Pilgrimages in Andhra
 10 Other Cultural Elements
 11 Cultural institutions
 12 References

Cultural History
Andhra Pradesh's cultural history can be summarized under the sections of Art, Architecture,
Literature, Cuisine, Clothing and Religion/Philosophy.

Hanuman and Ravana in Tholu Bommalata, the shadow puppet tradition of Andhra Pradesh,
India

Art: Annamayya, Tyagaraja, Kuchipudi summarize the rich artistic traditions of Andhra
Pradesh. Contributions of Annamacharya and Tyagaraja to the "grammar of sound" made Telugu
language the preferred language of composition for Carnatic Music and made Andhra Pradesh
the mother of all modern music. Their influence not only on Carnatic but global classical music
and the organisation of sound as a medium of emotional resonance has no parallel in human
history. Kuchipudi as a refinement of the ancient Tamil art of Bharathanatyam, and in the
context of the unique religious and cultural traditions of Andhra Pradesh stands on par with all
the great global traditions of Classical Dance.
Architecture: There are three distinct and rich architectural traditions in Andhra Pradesh. The
first traces back to the building of the legendary city of Amaravathi under Satavahanas. This
unique style of architecture emphasizes the use of intricate and abstract sculpture with inspiration
from religious themes. The second tradition draws on the enormous granite and lime stone
reserves of the region and is reflected in the various temples and forts built over a very long
period of time. The Temples and the ruins of Warangal stand as examples to this tradition.

Literature: As a recognized ancient language, Telugu has a rich and deep literary culture.
Nannaya, Tikkana, Yerrapragada, Srinatha, Pothana, Molla (poet), and Tarikonda Venkamamba
made Telugu language "The Italian of the East" - lingua franca for religious, musical
composition and philosophy. The contributions of Charles Phillip Brown, Gurram Jashuva, Sri
Sri (writer) and Viswanatha Satyanarayana made Telugu a vibrant and evolving modern
language. The contributions of various Telugu/Tamil/Sanskrit grammarians to the formalization
of English Grammar gave Telugu Literary traditions a truly global reach.

Cuisine: Andhra Pradesh culinary traditions are some of the richest in the world. Bandhar
Laddu, Avakaya, Gongura, Pulusu, pappu charu, jonna kudu, bobbattu, kaza, arisa ..etc. draw on
unique spices and rich fruit and vegetable harvests of the region. Various sauces and ancient
bread making techniques that use a very diverse and rich variety of pulses are a testament to
ancient Telugu culinary innovation. It is rumored that Roman king Nero lamented Romans
paying more to the Chili farmers of Andhra Pradesh than to Roman treasury as taxes during the
effort to rebuild Rome after the great fire. It is documented that he banned all imports from
Andhra Pradesh during Rome rebuilding era. Andhra Pradesh spice traders and their ancient
global trading traditions are considered the precursors to modern option-and-derivatives pricing
models for commodities. Rich wine making traditions are evident in the Taati kallu and Etha
Kallu produced by the region to this day.

Clothing/Fashion: Andhra Pradesh is home to some of the finest historical cloth making/fashion
and dying traditions of the world. Its rich cotton production, with its innovative plant dye
extraction history stand next to its diamond mining, pearl harvesting and jewelry traditions to
form an impressive fashion tradition that has stood the test of time. The ancient Golconda mine
is the mother of the numerous legendary gems such as the Koh-i-Noor and Hope Diamond.
Andhra Pradesh had a virtual monopoly in the global jewelry industry till 1826 (founding of the
diamond mines in Rhodisia - Africa) and eight of the 10 most valuable jewelry pieces on earth
today trace their history back to Andhra Pradesh. Langa-Voni (Half saree), Sarees made in
Kalamkari, Bidri, Nirmal paintings, fascinating weaves from Pochampalli, Gadwal, Venkatagiri
are the result of this time tested (3000 year) fashion tradition. Vaddaanam, Aravanke,
Kashulahaaram, Buttalu and various standard gold jewelry designs are fine examples of this
continuously evolving ancient tradition.

Religion and Philosophy: These contributions can be classified into four distinct eras. Ancient
Hindu traditions of Andhra Pradesh, Medieval Buddhist traditions, Modern Islamic-Hindu fusion
traditions and the currently emerging Hindu-Christian fusion traditions. Dharanikota, Nagarjuna
Konda monasteries and the associated literary contributions stand as a testaments to Andhra
Pradesh's central role in the evolution of Ashokan Buddhism. Tirupati, the associated religious
traditions of Lord Venkateswara as a personification of the merger of various Shivite and
Vaishavite Hindu traditions stands as a testament to the rich and progressive religious-
philosophical schools of Andhra Pradesh. The contributions of Andhra Religious traditions to
Bhakti Movement (Fusion movement for Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist Traditions) inspired
numerous world renowned modern secular philosophers like Jiddu Krishnamurti to draw on this
rich and progressive intellectual tradition of religion and philosophy. A living history of this rich
tradition is daily visible in the lives of the people of this region and historic snap shots are frozen
into stone at various times on the walls of these temples: http://www.templenet.com/andhra.html.
Telugu arts and literature are an embodiment of this vibrant philosophical tradition.

Cuisine
Main article: Andhra cuisine

Mango Pickle Home Made Style

The cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is reputedly the spiciest of all Indian cuisine. There are many
variations to the Andhra cuisine depending on caste, geographical regions, traditions etc. Pickles
and chutneys, called pachadi in Telugu are particularly popular in Andhra Pradesh and many
varieties of pickles and chutneys are unique to the state. Chutneys are made from practically
every vegetable including tomatoes, brinjals, and roselle (Gongura). The mango pickle
Aavakaaya is probably the best known of the Andhra pickles.

Rice is the staple food and is used in a wide variety of ways. Typically, 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.

Meat, vegetables, and greens are prepared with different masalas into a variety of strongly
flavored dishes.The Indian Cuisine has its unique style and tradition.

Dance
Main article: Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi, the traditional dance of Andhra Pradesh

Jayapa Senani (Jayapa Nayudu) is the first person who wrote about the dances prevalent in
Andhra Pradesh.[1] Both Desi and Margi forms of dances have been included in his Sanskrit
treatise 'Nritya Ratnavali'. It contains eight chapters. Folk dance forms like Perani, Prenkhana,
Suddha Nartana, Carcari, Rasaka, Danda Rasaka, Shiva Priya, Kanduka Nartana, Bhandika
Nrityam, Carana Nrityam, Chindu, Gondali and Kolatam are described. In the first chapter the
author deals with discussion of the differences between Marga and Desi, Tandava and lasya,
Natya and Nritta. In the 2nd and 3rd chapters he deals with Angi-kabhinaya, Caris, Sthanakas
and Mandalas. In the 4th Chapter Karnas, angaharas and recakas are described. In following
chapters he described the local dance forms i.e. Desi Nritya. In the last chapter he deals with art
and practice of dance.

Classical dance in Andhra can be performed by both men and women; however women tend to
learn it more often. Kuchipudi is the state's best-known classical dance forms of Andhra Pradesh.
The various dance forms that existed through the states’ history are Chenchu Bhagotam,
Kuchipudi, Bhamakalapam, Burrakatha, Veeranatyam, Butta bommalu, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu,
Dhimsa, and Kolattam.

Harikatha

A Village Street singer at R.Tallavalasa in Visakhapatnam District

Harikatha (lit. "stories of the Lord"), otherwise called Katha Kalakshepa is a form of Hindu
religious discourse, also known as Katha (storytelling) format, in which the story teller explores
a religious theme, usually the life of a saint or a story from an Indian epic. Harikatha was
originated in Andhra.[2] Harikatha Kalakshepam is most prevalent in Andhra Pradesh even now
along with Burra katha. Haridasus going round villages singing devotional songs is an age-old
tradition during Dhanurmaasam preceding Sankranti festival. Ajjada Adibhatla Narayana Dasu
with his Kavyas and Prabandhas has made Harikatha a special art form.

Festivals
 Sankranti in January.
 Maha Shivaratri in February/March.
 Ugadi or the Telugu New Year in March/April.
 Sri Rama Navami celebrated in March/April 9 days after Ugadi.
 Varalakshmi Vratam in August.
 Vinayaka Chaviti in August.
 Dasara in September/October.
 Atla Tadde 3rd day in bright half of Aswiyuja month (falls in September/October in
Gregorian calendar)
 Deepavali in October/November.
 Deepothsavam during the Deepavali season.

Literature
Main article: Telugu literature

Telugu literature is highly influenced by Sanskrit literature and Hindu scriptures. Nannayya,
Tikkana, and Yerrapragada form the trinity who translated the great epic Mahabharatha into
Telugu. Bammera Potana is another great poet from vontimitta (kadapa dist) famous for his
great classic Sri Madandhra Maha Bhagavatamu, a Telugu translation of 'Sri Bhagavatam'
authored by Veda Vyasa in Sanskrit. Nannayya derived the present Telugu script(lipi) from the
old Telugu-Kannada script. Emperor Krishna Deva Raya wrote Amuktamalyada
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishnadevaraya#Amuktamalyada and also made the famous
statement : "Desha Bhashalandu Telugu lessa" meaning "Telugu is the sweetest amongst all
Indian languages". Philosophical poems by Yogi-Vemana are quite famous. Modern writers
include Jnanpith Award winners Sri Viswanatha Satya Narayana and Dr. C. Narayana Reddy.
Revolutionary poets like SriSri and Gaddar are popular.

Movies
Main article: Telugu Cinema

Andhra Pradesh is the state with the most cinema halls in India, at around 3000[citation needed]. The
state also produces about 200[citation needed] movies a year. It has around 40% (330 cinema halls out
of 930 DTS cinema halls in India ([1]) of all the Dolby digital theaters in India. Now it also
houses an IMax theater with a big 3D screen and also 3-5 multiplexes. It is also the largest movie
industry in India, producing more movies than any other industry.

Music
Main article: Music of Andhra Pradesh

Bobbili Veena is from Andhra Pradesh

The state has a rich musical heritage. Many legends of the Carnatic music including two among
Trinity of Carnatic music (Thyagaraja and Syama Sastri) were of Telugu descent. Other
composers include Annamacharya, Kshetrayya, and Bhadrachala Ramadasu.

Folk songs are also popular in the rural areas of the state.

Religion
Andhra Pradesh is home to Hindu saints of all castes. An important figure is, Sant Yogi Potuluri
Veerabrahmam was a Viswa Brahmin that even had a Brahmin, Sudhra, Harijan and Muslim
disciples.[3] Fisherman Raghu was also a Sudra.[4] Sant Kakkayya was a chura (cobbler) Harijan
saint.

Several important Hindu modern-day saint are from Andhra Pradesh. These include Nimbarka
who founded Dvaitadvaita, Mother Meera who advocated Indian independence and Aurobindo
Mission, Sri Sathya Sai Baba and Swami Sundara Chaitanyanandaji.

His Holiness Swami Sundara Chaitanyanandaji was born on 25 December 1947 in

Kattubadipalem village, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh.

Pilgrimages in Andhra
Sacred Tirumala Temple

Tirupati or Tirumala is a very important pilgrimage for Hindus throughout India. It is the richest
pilgrimage center in World. Its main temple is dedicated to the god Venkateswara.

Simhachalam is another very popular pilgrimage of national importance. Simhachalam is said in

mythology to be the abode of the savior-god Narasimha, who rescued Prahlada from abusive
father Hiranyakasipu.

Srisailam is another center is national importance. It is dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva. It is one
of the locations of the various Jyotirlingams. The Skanda Purana has a chapter called "Srisaila
Kandam" dedicated to it, which points to the ancient origin. This is confirmed also by the fact
that Tamil saints of the past millennia have sung praises of this temple. It is said that Adi
Sankara visited this temple and at that time he composed his "Sivananda Lahiri". Shiva's sacred
bull Vrishabha is said to have performed penance at the Mahakali temple till Shiva and Parvati
appeared before him as Mallikarjuna and Brahmaramba. The temple is one of the 12 hallowed
jyotirlingas; Lord Rama himself installed the Sahasralinga, while the Pandavas lodged the
Panchapandava lingas in the temple courtyard.

Other Cultural Elements

Kondapalli toys at a house in Vijayawada

Bapu's paintings, Nanduri Subbarao's Yenki Paatalu (Songs on/by a washerwoman called
Yenki), mischievous Budugu (a character by Mullapudi), Annamayya's songs, Aavakaaya (a
variant of mango pickle in which the kernel of mango is retained), Gongura (a chutney from
Roselle plant), Atla Taddi (a seasonal festival predominantly for teenage girls), banks of river
Godavari, Dudu basavanna (The ceremonial ox decorated for door-to-door exhibition during the
harvest festival Sankranti) have long defined Telugu culture. The village of Durgi is known for
originating stone craft, carvings of idols in soft stone that must be exhibited in the shade because
they are prone to weathering.

Cultural institutions
Andhra Pradesh has many museums, including the Archaeological Museum at Amaravati near
Guntur City that features relics of nearby ancient sites, the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad,
which features a varied collection of sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, the Visakha
Museum in Visakhapatnam, which displays the history of the pre-Independence Madras
Presidency in a rehabilitated Dutch bungalow and Victoria Jubilee Museum in Vijayawada,
which has a nice collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, idols, weapons, cutlery, and
inscriptions.

References
1.

 Ntitya Ratnavali (http://www.telugupeople.com/discussion/article.asp?id=111

  Thoomati Donappa. Telugu Harikatha Sarvasvam. OCLC 13505520.
  http://www.mihira.com/wisdommasters/veerabrahmam.htm
 http://www.telugubhakti.com/telugupages/Monthly/Bhaktas/content1.htm