SWAPNA SUNDARI Vs. GOVT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Writ-petition No. 9439 of 1995 is filed questioning the G.O.Ms. No.7, Tourism Culture Sports and Youth Services (CA.II) Department, dated 23-1-1995. According to the petitioner, she is an established Classical dancer, she has also specialised in Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam Styles of dance, Ritual dance is a part of religious service in temples. Women who were dedicated for this purpose were called 'Devadasis'. In Andhra, the term 'Kalavanthulu' is used to denote these dancing families. After the Madras Devadasis (Prevention of dedication) Act, 1947, this ; dance system has gradually become obsolete. Now there are many groups of persons engaged in the task of reviving ancient temple dance and the petitioner belongs to one such revival group. The dance style revived by her is called 'Vilasini Natyam'. At the request of some interested parties, G.O.Ms.No.7, dated 23-1-1995 came to be issued by calling the dance as "Andhra Natyam" An impression is given that all other forms of dances such as Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Yakshaganam are not Andhra dances, including 'Vilasini Natyam. Further under the said G.O., permission is accorded to Telugu University to allow private students to appear for examination in the dances discipline, Andhra Natyam. Therefore, the G.O., should be quashed.

(2.) Writ Petition No. 10399 of 1995 is filed seeking for a writ of mandamus directing the respondents not to delete Andhra Natyam, an ancient temple dance of Andhra Pradesh from the syllabus of Telugu University as recognised vide G.O.Ms.No.7, dated 23-1-1995.

(3.) Andhra Natyam is a recital of 'Nritha, Nrithya and Abinaya'. It is as old as culture of Andhras. The dance which was exhibited in the worship of God in temples, in the courts of Rulers, and in public places is newly termed as 'Andhra Natyam' which is a classical dance performed by temple dancers according to the 'Aagama Sastras.' The dances performed under the able guidance of expert female dancers is called 'Nattuvamela' A scholarly Lasya dance performed by expert female artist is known as 'Mejuvani'. Till about 35 years ago, Lasya dance of 'Mejuvani' was referred to with above names, is now renamed as 'Andhra Natyam' as it was coined by expert dancers, scholars of Andhra Pradesh who had a series of meetings under the auspices of Andhra Pradesh Sangeeta Nataka Academy. Under the auspices of Convenor Sri Korada Narasimha Rao, syllabus was prepared and submitted to Nritya Academy in consultation with members of the executive committee in the year 1982, which was approved by the Nritya Academy in 1982. Ultimately, Telugu University had approved the syllabus for "Andhra Natyam" and the 17th Academic Senate in 1994 decided to have 'Andhra Natyam' examination in the year 1995 and the Government accordingly issued G.O.Ms.No.7 dated 2-1 -1995 approving the syllabus.