TRIBAL ARTS AND CRAFTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE

The purpose of this research paper is to focus on the continuity and change in the arts and crafts of tribes in Andhra Pradesh. Savara, Bagatha and Porja tribes are traditionally excelled in arts and crafts like idising painting and dhimsa dance. Gonds, Thotis, Pardhans and Koya tribes are the traditional inheritors of demsa dance, wojari brass metal crafts, Bison Horn Dance and bamboo crafts. Chenchu tribe is well versed in performing Chenchu Natakas (plays) and making bows and arrows. Almost all the above arts and crafts are prone to sanskritisation and globalization. The reasons for transformation or disappearing of the tribal arts and crafts of Andhra Pradesh need to be studied carefully to protect and proliferate the arts and safeguard them. Key words: Dhimsa dance, Demsa dance, Bison Horn dance, Chenchu Natakam, worjari brass craft, idising painting.