Context: Perini Sivathandavam is an ancient dance form, from Telangana, which has been revived in recent times.

Perini Dance

• Perini Shivatandavam also known as 'Dance of Warriors' is native to Telangana region which had originated nearly 1000 years ago . 
• The Dance form reached its height during the 13th century Kakitya rulers,Rani Rudramma Devi and Ganapathideva before fading into oblivion.
• It is performed in honour of Lord Siva, the hindu god of destruction and it is believed that in ancient times this was performed before the soldiers set to war.
• One can find evidence of this dance in the sculptures near Garbha Gudi (Sanctum Sanctorum) of the Ramappa Temple at Warangal.
• Perini Shivatandavam did not receive much patronage from the Andhra Pradesh state government as compared to Kuchipudi.
• However with coming into being of Telangana there is a appeal to adopt the dance as the state's official dance.

Performance details

• The Perini siva 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 Siva (Siva).
• 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.
• It is believed that this dance form invokes ‘Prerana’ (inspiration) and is dedicated to supreme dancer, Lord Siva.