Veera Natyam – Beauty in the Beast

Performed in the honour of Lord Shiva, Veeranatyam is a traditional dance form that

originated in Andhra Pradesh eons ago when it was performed by the warriors of the ancient

Chola dynasty. The word Veeranatyam quite literally translates to the “Dance of the

Warriors,” thereby symbolising the bravery and valour of the dancers. Throughout the dance,

dancers establish this courage through high-energy movements and dynamic footwork. The

dancers wear colourful costumes and traditional jewellery, and their faces are adorned with

intricate makeup. They also use a variety of props such as swords, shields and spears which

not only add to the dramatic effect of the dance, but also serve as symbolism.

The use of symbolism is a key element in Veeranatyam. The dance form is steeped in ancient

mythology and legends, and many of the movements and gestures are intended to convey

specific meanings. The swords and shields, for example, symbolize the warrior’s readiness to

defend their land and people. The lotus, another popular element that the dance form features,

represents purity and enlightenment, the warrior’s inner strength and spiritual power.

Symbolism in the elements of the dance also pave through in different ways, other than the

obvious use of props. It incorporates the use of intricate hand gestures known as mudras.

These mudras are used to convey explicit meanings and emotions, such as love, anger or

compassion. They are performed with passion and grace, alongside bravery and courage, to

add to the artistry of the dance. To embrace this grace and bravery, the delicate and valour,

the beauty and the beast, all at once, is no easy job. Or to put it in better words, to find the

beauty in the beast is no easy job. Dancers, both men and women, train for years and years

till their teacher decides they have reached the pinnacle of captivating the audience through

their powerful emotions. This makes Veeranatyam, along with all its symbolism and the effort

it requires, not only a dance form, but a cultural and historical treasure. It represents the

bravery and courage of our ancestors, the ancient warriors, who fought for their land and

people.

Quite rightfully so, the dance has long been passed down the generations of families in the

rural areas. However, although for years and years multiple families have worked towards

passing down the art, the lack of institutional support has slowly led to a decline in the

popularity of Veeeranatyam. The art has never gotten the opportunity to shine in the limelight

on a national or international level, thereby being on the brink even in its own state.

With the advent of modernity, as people of my age and yours continue to determine what

persists and what does not, aiming towards reviving the gorgeous yet fierce dance form is of

utmost importance. It inculcates the ability to be both graceful and courageous at the same

time, the ability to perfectly blend and combine the two almost polar characteristics, that

every man must have in him equal ounces of. Veeranatyam teaches man more lessons than

one can observe through it on the surface. With that, it becomes as crystal clear as daylight,

why our forefathers and foremothers practiced this art. And it must also establish, why we

have got to continue doing the same.

~Aditishrii Bharadwaj