| THE STUDY OF COMPOSITIONAL AND CHOREOGRAPHIC LEGACY OF NĀṬYĀCĀRYA H.R. KESHAVA MURTHY |
| This paper examines the compositional and choreographic legacy of NÄá¹yÄcÄrya H.R. Keshava Murthy (HRK), a distinguished BharatanÄá¹yam exponent whose innovative productions have left a lasting impression on KarnÄá¹aka’s cultural heritage. With a repertoire of over thirty Ná¹›tya RÅ«paka-s covering historical, mythological, and social themes, HRK’s work is distinguished by his ability to bring classical texts to life through dance, rhythm, and stagecraft. He has also composed a wide range of musical pieces for BharatanÄá¹yam, including JatiSvaram-s, Varṇam-s, TillÄna-s, and thematic compositions. His choreographies, such as MÄ“gha SandÄ“Å›a, Pañcavaá¹i, SÄ«tÄrÄma KalyÄṇa, ÅšrÄ« Kṛṣṇa TulÄbhÄra, and Saá¹…gÅḷḷi RÄyaṇṇa, reveal his sensitivity to literature and his skill in transforming textual material into compelling stage productions and exemplify a deep understanding of narrative, aesthetics, and structure. These productions have not only entertained audiences but also educated and inspired dancers, helping sustain and renew KarnÄá¹aka’s BharatanÄá¹yam tradition.
The primary objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of his contributions and to analyze his choreographic style through the lens of Caturvidha Abhinaya. Focusing especially on Āṅgika (movement and gesture), VÄcika (music and verbal expression), and Ä€hÄrya (costume and visual elements). The paper also highlights the specific innovations in technique and presentation found in a few select productions. A descriptive and analytical methodology is adopted through the study of archival video footage, personal interviews with his students and review of documentary materials.
The findings highlight HRK’s enduring legacy and the relevance of his artistic vision and uniqueness in each of the dance drama and how his works continues to serve as a valuable reference for performers and scholars, especially through his lesser known yet unique compositions that offer rich possibilities for performance and study. One can also observe the wide range of productions he created across diverse themes an achievement that reflects a lifetime of consistent artistic dedication. His dance dramas reveal numerous special features that enhance effectiveness, including creative innovations in Āṅgika ,VÄcika, and Ä€hÄrya, and his attention to even the smallest choreographic and theatrical details. This research contributes to preserving and promoting the work of one of KarnÄá¹aka’s most prolific and visionary dance artist. |
| Author: Ms Lasya Priya Ravishankar
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Submitted on : 16-Sep-2025
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Arts : India/Classical Dance/Bharathanatyam |
| Journal ID : 5028-551-7124
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