Kuchipudi, one of the eight recognised classical dances of India, traditionally belongs to which present day Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
India's classical dances are strongly associated with particular regions, and exam questions often test these state dance pairings. Kuchipudi is one such major classical dance form with a distinctive style and history. This question asks the learner to identify the present day Indian state traditionally linked with Kuchipudi, reinforcing knowledge of cultural geography and performing arts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Kuchipudi is recognised as a classical, not folk, dance of India.
• Each option is the name of a south Indian state.
• Only one of these states is historically identified as the home of Kuchipudi.
• Modern state boundaries are being used, not older provincial names.

Concept / Approach:
Kuchipudi originated from a village named Kuchipudi in the Krishna district of present day Andhra Pradesh. Traditionally it was performed by male Brahmin troupes and later evolved into a widely taught classical dance style. While Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh, the specific village and the historic heartland of Kuchipudi remain in Andhra Pradesh. Tamil Nadu is linked with Bharatanatyam and Kerala with Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. The approach is to recall these standard pairings and choose the correct state for Kuchipudi.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that Kuchipudi shares its name with a village in Andhra Pradesh and that this village is considered the birthplace of the dance. Step 2: Recall that Bharatanatyam is usually associated with Tamil Nadu, not with Kuchipudi. Step 3: Note that Kerala's famous classical dances include Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. Step 4: Consider that Telangana, though a new state carved from Andhra Pradesh, does not contain the original Kuchipudi village. Step 5: Conclude that Andhra Pradesh is the state most accurately identified as the home of Kuchipudi.

Verification / Alternative check:
Lists of classical dances with their states consistently show the pairing Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh. Government cultural academies, dance schools and examination guides follow the same mapping. Even after the formation of Telangana, the traditional association of Kuchipudi with Andhra Pradesh remains unchanged because the geographic origin lies within Andhra Pradesh territory.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Telangana shares cultural features with Andhra Pradesh but is not historically cited as the cradle of Kuchipudi. Tamil Nadu is primarily associated with Bharatanatyam and other regional forms. Kerala is linked with Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. While these states all have rich dance traditions, they do not match the specific origin of Kuchipudi, so they cannot be the correct answer.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may incorrectly pick Telangana due to its recent separation from Andhra Pradesh, thinking that dance traditions also shifted formally. Others may confuse Kuchipudi with Bharatanatyam because both are classical south Indian dances with some visual similarities. To avoid confusion, it is best to memorise standard pairings: Bharatanatyam with Tamil Nadu, Kuchipudi with Andhra Pradesh and Kathakali with Kerala, among others.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Andhra Pradesh