Question

To the delight of public, besides Yakshagana, what was the other form of art available for entertainment in rural Andhra under Vijayanagara rule ?
1. Harikathas
2. Dramas
3. Burrakathas
4. Shadow play known as Bommalata

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Dramas

The correct answer is Dramas.

• To the delight of the public, besides Yakshagana, Dramas was the other form of art available for entertainment in rural Andhra under Vijayanagara rule.
• Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance: a play, opera, mime, ballet, etc., performed in a theatre, or on radio or television.

• Contrary to what some think, the Kuchipudi style that was prevalent during the Vijayanagara period was one that was a drama-dance, combined traditional dance scriptures, such as the Natyashastras, with more “entertaining” and dramatic elements.
• The art of dance-drama, such as that of Kuchipudi, was an instrumental vehicle for the spread and the prominence of the Bhakti movement during the 15th-17th centuries, though Kuchipudi evolved with the influences of the Bhakti movement in the 7th century AD.
• Kuchipudi had popular appeal comparable to that of Yakshagana, as the Bhakti movement, which held influence over many members of society, was partly spread through such dance-dramas.

• The Vijayanagara Empire also called the Karnataka Kingdom, was based in the Deccan Plateau region in South India.
• Kuchipudi, which is the major dance form associated with Andhra Pradesh, was also very influential during the Vijayanagara Empire’s rule.
• Yakshagana is a traditional theatre, Yakshagana was first introduced in Udupi by Madhvacharya's disciple Naraharitirtha. Naraharitirtha was the minister in the Kalinga Kingdom and neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh. He also was the founder of Kuchipudi.