Andhra Pradesh has given the world a number of forms of performing arts, handlooms and curios. The world famous Kuchipudi classical dance was born in the state. Kalamkari, the art of dyeing with vegetable oils and colors, still flourishes and silk sarees woven in the state rank among the most beautiful in the world. The handicrafts occupy s special place and possess a timeless charm.

Folk Dances
Yakshagana is another famous folk art of south India. It began as a ballad singing art form in the olden days, but later on it was transformed into a dance drama form. The mention of Yahshagana is found in Bheemakhanda, a 15th century literary work by Srinadha.
It was popularly known as Bahunatakas and later assumed a definite form of Yakshagana. It got its name after the "Yakshas" or "Jakkulas" who practised singing and dance. Initially a single dancer performed this dance, but gradually it evolved into a complete dramatic form with many characters by the 17-18th century.

Handicrafts
Nirmal is famous for its wooden toy industry, The fine glazed toys and paintings are known by the name of the town, The craftsmen use the locally available soft wood to carve brightly coloured life like replicas of vegetables, fruits, animals, dolls etc.
The Nirmal paintings are world famous for their rich colour and variety. The town has a fort built by French engineers in the Nizam's service which has a number of guns.    more>

Handlooms
Andhra Pradesh has an age-old tradition of hand-woven fabrics. Sarees of the most exquisite, unique and generic designs are found in Andhra Pradesh. Silk and cotton saris come from the looms of Pochampalli, Venkatagiri, Gadwal, Narayanpet and Dharmavaram, and are household names throughout India. They are named after the place of their origin. Each of these weaving styles is distinct producing a unique variety of fabric, known for their fine cotton and elaborate pallu's and beautiful borders with ornate gold thread work.    more>

Kuchipudi Dance
Kuchipudi, the indigenous style of dance of Andhra Pradesh, was born in the village of Kuchelapuri or Kuchelapuram, from which it takes its name. According to legends, its founder was Sidhendra Yogi, a devotee of Lord Krishna.    more>