Bhamakalpam

Andhra Pradesh is a state with rich cultural heritage. It is famous especially in the field of dance and music. Among the various forms of dance form popular in Andhra Pradesh, Bhamakalpam is one of them. The dance form of Bhamakalpam of Andra Pradesh mainly deals with the life of the Hindu mythological character Satyabhama. She was wife of Lord Sri Krishna, who was very beautiful but jealous. The word 'Bhamakalpam' has been derived by amalgamating two words 'Bhama' the original name of Lord Krishna's wife, and 'Kalpam' means complaint or jealousy. The dancers use stylistic hand gestures, body movements including subtle facial expressions and with more realistic acting. The Bhamakalpam Dance is quite similar to Kuchipudi Dance in terms of physical vigor.

Lord Krishna and Radha had a platonic relationship. Lord Krishna's wife Bhama, always used to mistrust Krishna, because of his intimate relationship with Sri Radha. She always used to feel insecure and jealous towards Radha and used to argue with her husband regarding this. The Bhamakalpam dance in Andra Pradesh is predominated by Lasya or the feminine movements, contrary to Tandava Movement or male movement, found in another Indian classical dance, Kathakali. During the 17th century Bhamakalpam was conceived by Siddhendra Yogi for the Kuchipudi dancers for devotional purpose.

Last Updated on 19 May 2011