Perini Natyam is an ancient dance form that originated and developed in the southern state of Telangana during the Kakatiya dynasty. This dance is a tribute to Lord Shiva, the Hindu God for ultimate salvation. Soldiers used to perform this dance traditionally before actually heading for a war operation. Hence, it is also known as the 'Dance of Warriors'.

Perini Natyam is also called Sivathandavam. This dance worships the fierce and destructive form of Lord Shiva. The evidence of the dance form can be found near Garbha Gudi of Ramappa Temple located in Warangal.

Usually, this dance is performed by males. Hindus believe that the dance form invokes Lord Shiva in the male. According to Hinduism, every male or female on this Earth is just the representation of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti respectively. The soldiers perform this dance to stimulate themselves of the destructive power gained from the gods to battle off the enemy.

This dance form disappeared after the fall of the Kakatiya dynasty. Padmashri Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna is known for reviving this dance form. This dance helps in promoting the cultural heritage of Telangana. It requires utmost dedication to skill this dance form. Many others have played a significant role in reviving this dance form. One such dancer is Dharawat Rajkumar Naik from Suryapet. He recently became the first Perini dancer to be awarded the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar (UBKYP) by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for his efforts in the revival of the art form. He has actually performed this dance form several times in India and abroad. He is also a recipient of the Pride of Telangana award and Komaram Bheem award. He believes that this dance form has the potential to spread motivation to a larger extent. He owns a dance academy called PRK Natyam Prapancham to actually spread motivation about this dance form in young boys and girls. He managed to take this dance form to the public despite the obstacles laid down his way.

This dance form is now getting patronage from the Telangana Language and Culture. Naik is planning to carry out workshops in all the districts of the State. Once this dance form is going to strengthen it's base, it's going to be recognized widely both nationally and internationally.

This dance form is into relevant discussion as of now because it got a mention in the recent 'Man ki baat' Episode. In this episode, the PM of the country mentioned Naik's name which is actually a water-shedding moment for him.

The consequences of Westernization has been dramatic on the Indian society. With the advent of western culture, regional culture seems to have been marginalized. It's good to accept the new things but without slipping the rich past.

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Reference:

• newsindianexpress.com
• gktoday.in