Perini Kakatiya Dance

Perini Shivatandavam or Perini Thandavam is an ancient dance form from South India which has been revived in recent times. It originated and prospered in Andhra Pradesh during the Kakatiya dynasty.Perini is performed by males and it is believed that in ancient times this was performed before the soldiers set to war. Nataraja Ramakrishna was the person who revived this art form recently.
The Perini Thandavam is a dance form usually performed by males. It is called 'Dance of Warriors'. Warriors before leaving to the battlefield enact this dance before the idol of Lord Shiva. The dance form, Perini, reached its pinnacle during the rule of the 'Kakatiyas' who established their dynasty at Warangal and ruled for almost two centuries.
The Perini Thandavam, Andhra Pradesh It is believed that this dance form invokes 'Prerana' (inspiration) and is dedicated to supreme dancer, Lord Shiva. One can find evidence of this dance in the sculptures of the Ramappa Temple at Warangal.
Perini is a vigorous dance done to the resounding beats of drums. Dancers drive themselves to a state of mental abstraction where they feel the power of Shiva in their body. While dancing they invoke Shiva to come into him and dance through him. The Perini Thandavam is indeed believed to be the most invigorating and intoxicating male dance form.
Perini dance form almost disappeared after the decline of the Kakatiya dynasty but Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna father of Andhra Natyam brought renaissance in Perini dance, which was on verge of extinction.