“BURRAKATHA – TELUGU ART OF ORAL STORYTELLING”

Abstract

Indigenous people have developed an immeasurable treasure of traditional knowledge systems over some time. These knowledge systems are Intangible cultural heritage in the communities, are recreated continuously, and pass on from one generation to another. Preservation of this helps
in the self-identification of communities and can ensure the continued existence of indigenous people. The study focuses on safeguarding the tradition of Burrakatha, the art of oral storytelling performed in the villages of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. People believe that the art played
such an essential role in awakening the individuals that the British explicitly banned its performances in the Madras Presidency and the Nizam of Hyderabad prohibited it in his domain. Nowadays, very few perform this art form and an endangered traditional art aimed at the preservation, essential to save a living tradition. The study’s objectives are - 1. Tracing the
origins of the art form and elements associated with it, 2.Understanding the Threats and Challenges facing the community, 3. Provide recommendations for preserving this tradition’s uniqueness. The expected conclusion of the study is to develop strategies to safeguard the traditional art form of Burrakatha.