Yakshagana, a mesmerizing folk theatre tradition of coastal Karnataka, is not merely an art form—it is a cultural phenomenon that fuses myth, movement, music, and magnificence. In its throbbing heart stood B. Gopalakrishna Kurup, a Kerala-born luminary who became an iconic figure in the Tenkutittu school of Yakshagana. He passed away recently at the age of 90 at Shishila in Belthangady, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped generations of performers and students across the region.

Yakshagana: A Living Tradition

Yakshagana is a traditional dance-drama art form of Karnataka, predominantly flourishing in the districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, and parts of Shimoga. With its roots in ancient Bhuta worship and the Bhakti movement, Yakshagana enacts stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavatam. Performances, typically held overnight in open-air village settings, blend:

▶Dynamic dance and stylized gestures, conveying action and emotion

▶Live music, with instruments like Chende, Maddale, Taala, and Harmonium

▶Narrative singing (Bhagavatike), where the lead vocalist both narrates and guides the story

▶Elaborate costumes and makeup, transforming actors into mythological characters

A powerful visual spectacle, with booming drums, intricate footwork, and explosive theatrics

Yakshagana is divided into two primary styles: Badagutittu (North style) and Tenkutittu (South style). Kurup was a torchbearer of the latter, known for its rhythmic complexity, fluid dance, and musical richness.

A Life of Devotion and Discipline

B. Gopalakrishna Kurup’s life was synonymous with Yakshagana. An unparalleled exponent of Bhagavatike, Chende, and Maddale, he not only performed across renowned troupes but also meticulously trained thousands as a Yakshagana guru for over seven decades.

From humble beginnings, Kurup rose to become a pillar in institutions like Dharmasthala Yakshagana Lalitha Kala Kendra and led training centers across over 30 locations in Karnataka and Maharashtra. He taught both privileged and marginalized communities, including tribal and Dalit groups, and was instrumental in opening Yakshagana’s gates to women performers, once a male-dominated arena.

Scholarship and Publications

Kurup was not just a performer, but also a prolific author and researcher. He brought academic rigor to Yakshagana pedagogy, pioneering instructional texts that systematized its performance grammar. His major works include:

Tenkutittu Prathamika Yakshagana Paatagalu: Poorvaranga

Tenkutittu Yakshagana Maddale Vaadana Krama

Tenkutittu Yakshagana Chende Vaadana Krama

Tittittai: A Study Related to Yakshagana Rhythm (Tala)

These books, published with support from stalwarts like Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, have become seminal references for performers and students alike.

Teacher of a Generation

Between 1955 and 1990, Kurup led Yakshagana training in areas like Mundrupady, Balya, Arasinamakki, Kokkada, Patrame, Mumbai, and tribal colonies in Shishila. He developed hundreds of disciples who went on to become seasoned artists, many of whom credit him for their foundational learning and lifelong passion for Yakshagana.

A Revered Voice and Rhythmist

His skill in Bhagavatike (narration) was matched by his command over rhythm. Kurup was especially noted for his contribution to Purvaranga—the ritualistic opening of Yakshagana—and his precise yet expressive command of the Maddale and Chende. He participated in Doordarshan and All India Radio broadcasts and engaged in scholarly audio documentation of Tala-Maddale performances.

Workshops and National Recognition

Kurup served as a resource person in numerous high-level workshops and conventions under the guidance of luminaries like M.L. Samaga, Kumble Sundar Rao, and Dr. R. Satyanarayana. His themes ranged from ensemble staging and face painting to tala structure and rhythmic improvisation. He also engaged with international scholars such as Martha Austin, further enhancing global awareness of Yakshagana.

Honours and Awards

His lifetime of contribution garnered him more than 50 major accolades, including:

"Yakshadeva" Award from Dr. Veerendra Heggade (2017)

"Yakshamangala" Award by Mangalore University

Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi's “Gurupuja” Award (2016)

Suvarna Karnataka Kannada Rajyotsava Award (2006)

International Felicitation in Toronto, Canada (2017)

Felicitations by cultural institutions, mathas, and literary conferences across Karnataka and Kerala

In one unforgettable performance at Nileshwar’s Suvarnavalli Temple, Kurup rendered a single verse in 12 talas and 12 ragas, an unmatched feat praised by scholars and spiritual leaders alike.

A Legacy that Lives On

B. Gopalakrishna Kurup was not merely a performer or teacher; he was a custodian of a living heritage. His meticulous scholarship, impassioned training, and rhythmic mastery made Yakshagana more than a performance tradition—it became a disciplined, evolving pedagogy under his stewardship.

As the Chende continues to roar and the Bhagavatike echoes in open-air fields and temple grounds, the spirit of Kurup endures in every rhythmic beat, in every vibrant costume, in every awe-struck audience.

May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
Yakshagana has lost a pillar, but its footsteps remain etched on its sacred stage.