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The various
dynasties that ruled the State of Andhra Pradesh, from the
Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagaram kings,
Qutb Shahis, Mughals, to the Asaf Jahis, all have contributed
significantly to the State's rich cultural tapestry and have left
behind a heritage studded with spectacular monuments, temples,
mosques, palaces all vibrant with arts, crafts, dance and
literature.
The state has a rich cultural heritage. The great composers of
carnatic music Annamacharya, Tyagaraja and many others chose
Telugu as their language of composition, thus enriching the
language. Kuchipudi is the state's classical dance form. Andhrites
have been movie buffs decades. The state produces about 200 top
notch movies per year.
Andhra Pradesh has several museums, including the Salar Jung
Museum, which features a varied collection of sculptures,
paintings, and religious artifacts, and the Archaeological Museum,
which features Buddhist and Hindu sculptures and other antiques;
both museums are located in Hyderabad
The State is rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, history
and most of all, an opportunity to explore them, created by
combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telugu
speaking portions of the former state of Chennai, Andhra Pradesh
to this day retains much of its regal glory and mystic charm.
Telugu, the official language of Andhra Pradesh, is described by
C.P. Brown as the " Italian of the East ". It has been influenced
by Sanskrit. The prominent poets of Telugu include Nannaya,
Tikkana, Sri Krishna Devarayulu and a host of others.
The dance styles in the State are based on the standard treatises,
viz. Abhinaya Darpana and Bharatarnava of Nandikeshwara, which is
sub-divided into Nattuva Mala and Natya Mala.
Kuchipudi, a blend of music and abhinaya, is Andhra Pradesh‘s
unique contribution to dance it have flowered from a village
called Kuchelapuri or Kuchelapuram in Krishna district. From its
birth around 300 B. C., it has remained a continuous and living
tradition of this region, performed by men of the Brahmin
community.
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