Kuchipudi, is one of the eminent Indian classical dance forms hailing from the region of Andhra Pradesh. The theoretical foundation of Kuchipudi is rooted back to the ancient Sanskrit text Natya Shastra by Bharat Muni, dating back to 500 BC to 200 BC approximately. Bharata Muni not only mentions the Andhra region in his text, but also attributes an elegant movement called ‘Kaishiki Vritti’ and a Raga called ‘Andhri’ to this region.

The 10th century copper inscriptions and the 15th century text Machupalli Kaifiat, validate the existence of a dance drama performance act in South India among the Telugu populace. Vaishnavism, that evolved during the 2nd millennium, presumably embraced this art form and it came to be known as Bhagavata Mela Natakam in the Tamil region and Kuchipudi in Andhra. This form of dance was performed by traveling male dancers called Bhagavatulu.