Exploring Siva Thandavam and Saptha Thandavam: Vikram Kumar B R’s Research Journey
Indian classical dance is supported by centuries of literature, philosophy, mythology and traditional knowledge. For artistes who seek to understand the deeper foundations of these traditions, academic research can provide an important pathway beyond performance. Vikram Kumar B R, also known as Bathina Vikram Goud, has combined his career as a Kuchipudi artiste with a serious interest in the historical and scholarly dimensions of the art form.
His research journey became particularly significant during his postgraduate studies at Andhra University, where he pursued a Master of Arts in Kuchipudi with distinction. His academic work focused on subjects connected with traditional dance practices, including Siva Thandavam and Saptha Thandavam within the Kuchipudi tradition.
From Performance to Research
Vikram Kumar’s artistic journey began during childhood with encouragement from his father. As his interest in classical dance developed, he chose to pursue formal education rather than limiting his involvement to practical performance.
At Andhra University, his Master’s programme provided an opportunity to study Kuchipudi from both practical and academic perspectives. His involvement also extended beyond his own studies. He played an important role in the establishment of the university’s Department of Dance, gaining experience in the institutional development of arts education.
This environment contributed to a broader understanding of classical dance as a knowledge system rather than simply a performing discipline.
Studying Siva Thandavam and Saptha Thandavam
One of the central subjects of Vikram Kumar’s postgraduate research was the study of Siva Thandavam and Saptha Thandavam in relation to Kuchipudi.
Thandava traditions occupy an important place within the wider understanding of Indian dance heritage. Studying such subjects requires consideration of movement, mythology, literary references and traditional interpretations.
Vikram Kumar’s research attempted to examine these elements within the Kuchipudi tradition. His dissertation also incorporated comparative study connected with the literary works of celebrated Telugu poet Puttaparthi Narayanacharyulu.
According to the profile of his career, the dissertation received 100 percent approval from Andhra University, marking an important academic achievement in his development as an artist-scholar.
The Importance of Literary Connections
Indian classical dance has historically maintained a close relationship with literature. Dance compositions frequently draw upon mythology, poetry, devotional literature and traditional narratives.
For a Kuchipudi practitioner, understanding the literary foundation behind a performance can influence interpretation, expression and choreography.
Vikram Kumar’s comparative research involving Puttaparthi Narayanacharyulu’s literary works reflects this relationship between written literature and performing arts.
Such an approach can help place dance movements and narratives within a wider cultural context. It also demonstrates why documentation and scholarship remain important to the preservation of traditional performing arts.
Research Influencing Creative Work
Vikram Kumar’s academic interests have not remained separate from his practical artistic career. His later work as a choreographer and creator of thematic ballets has frequently combined traditional stories with contemporary presentation.
One example is Chenchu Lakshmi Narasimha Kalyanam, an experimental thematic ballet based on the traditions associated with Lord Narasimha of Simhachalam. The production combines Kuchipudi techniques with traditional folk forms and has reportedly been presented at more than 150 venues across India.
Another production, Swachh Ganga – Swachh Bharat, draws inspiration from Bhagiratha Vilasam and uses classical dance storytelling to address the contemporary importance of clean water and environmental awareness.
His other choreographic works include Maha Visakha Vaibhavam, Sri Krishna Leelalu, Society for Future and Youth Never Sleeps.
These productions demonstrate an interest in using classical performance as a vehicle for storytelling and communication.
Theatre Added Another Dimension
Vikram Kumar also pursued formal education in theatre, completing Diplomas in Acting and Direction at Andhra University.
He subsequently contributed to the university’s Department of Theatre Arts for around ten years, working in mythological, social and philosophical productions.
This experience gave him additional exposure to dramatic storytelling, characterisation, direction and stage presentation. These skills could complement his background in dance, particularly when developing narrative productions requiring coordinated movement, acting and storytelling.
Research as Cultural Preservation
Vikram Kumar’s research background also connects closely with his later work in cultural documentation.
His wider philosophy is that preserving an art form involves protecting more than its visible performances. The repertoire, literature, choreography, musical traditions, gurus, practitioners, historical records and performance practices associated with the art are equally important.
This becomes particularly relevant as traditional methods of knowledge transmission evolve.
The decline of traditional Gurukulam systems and the reduced face-to-face interaction between students and legendary gurus have increased the importance of reliable documentation. Written records, publications, archival material and scholarly research can help preserve information that might otherwise disappear.
Connecting Scholarship with Future Generations
Vikram Kumar’s work through cultural publications has further extended this interest in documentation. As Editor-in-Chief of The Dance India, he has been involved in publishing material relating to Indian dance, artistes, performances and cultural traditions.
The publication’s role is particularly relevant to the preservation of dance history because documentation can provide future students and researchers with contextual information about performers and traditions.
His broader advocacy concerning copyright and intellectual property also reflects the same concern. If artistic material is copied without attribution or separated from its original context, future generations may receive incomplete or distorted versions of cultural knowledge.
The Artist as a Researcher and Custodian
Vikram Kumar B R’s study of Siva Thandavam and Saptha Thandavam represents an important aspect of a career that has extended well beyond conventional stage performance.
His academic education in Kuchipudi, involvement in establishing a university dance department, research into traditional dance concepts, theatre training, choreography and cultural documentation all demonstrate a multidimensional approach to Indian classical arts.
His journey highlights the importance of the artist-scholar in cultural preservation. Performance keeps a tradition alive on stage, while research helps explain its foundations and documentation helps preserve that knowledge for future generations.
For Vikram Kumar, these activities form part of one larger objective: ensuring that India’s classical dance traditions are not simply performed repeatedly, but are understood, researched, documented, respected and transmitted with their cultural identity intact.
