An instrument and a whole world
Dasari Kondappa is one of the rare players of Telangana’s Burraveena, an instrument with a whole musical world around it. The Burraveena is an indigenous string instrument made of bamboo, a gourd shell and metal. His Padma citation describes him as “one of the last remaining Burraveena players in Telangana” and credits him with keeping the art alive for more than 50 years.
Learning from his brother
He was born on 1 January 1960 in Damaragidda Mandal, Narayanpet district. Like his family before him, he lived the travelling life of a performer, earning a living by playing the Burraveena and telling stories in song. His repertoire runs from the Puranas and Itihasas to family life and present-day social issues.
One detail in the citation stands out: he learned the themes of the Ramayana and Mahabharata from his blind brother. He sings Tatvalu, moral songs on faith and society, and philosophical pieces in both Telugu and Kannada.
Opening a closed circle
The Burraveena tradition was long kept within its own community, which is why the circle of new learners stayed so small. By taking it to wider audiences, Kondappa has tried to open that circle.
His Padma Shri is not only for stage performance but for keeping an endangered rural art alive in living memory. Oral knowledge can be as important as any written archive, and saving an instrument means growing both its learners and its listeners.
Sources
- Padma Awards 2024: official citation
- The News Minute: five artists from Telangana conferred with Padma Shri
- President of India: Padma Awards 2024 ceremony list
- padmaawards.gov.in/Document/pdf/CitationsForTickets/2024/202464.pdf
- thenewsminute.com/telangana/five-artists-from-telangana-conferred-with-padma-shri
- presidentofindia.gov.in/sites/default/files/2024-04/list_of_padma_awards_ceremony_2024.pdf