The timeless Cheriyal storytelling tradition of Katamaraju Katha came alive for students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan School, Jubilee Hills, where artist Ramanadham Ramesh demonstrated its ritual practices, scientific reasoning, and cultural depth using Cheriyal dolls.
— Image by R. Pavan
Ramesh has been spearheading efforts to revive this centuries-old narrative cycle, which comprises 32 stories dating back to 1165–1283 CE. Once central to memory, identity and community life across Telugu regions, the form has today been reduced largely to performance art and doll-making. His work aims to restore the broader ecosystem of artisans, storytellers and cultural practitioners who originally sustained it.
A Community-Built Tradition
According to Ramesh, the true strength of Katamaraju Katha lies in the communities that once built it collaboratively.
“Weavers, basket makers, silversmiths, brass and leather workers, carpet makers, potters — all of them contributed to a single performance,” he explains. “The art survives only when the entire community moves together. Yet today, most are forgotten. Only narrators and dolls are remembered.”
Stories That Shaped Social Behaviour
More than entertainment, the tradition once served as a tool for social upbringing.
“A mischievous child would hear these stories and feel inspired by their ancestors,” Ramesh says. “This storytelling shaped behaviour, values, and pride in one’s roots.”
Some rituals were deeply symbolic. During performances, Cheriyal dolls were even given last rites, teaching children respect for the human body and for social conduct.
Correcting Distortions and Reclaiming Accuracy
Over generations, many ballads drifted from their original versions due to informal transmission.
“For example, people began saying the warrior Katamaraju married the goddess Ganga,” Ramesh notes. “But the story only mentions a woman named Ganga. Even the timeline had shifted.”
He is now working closely with narrators to rebuild accuracy and confidence.
“Corrections aren’t negative,” he emphasizes. “They help narrators, audiences and patrons stay aligned.”
Documenting Ritual Science
Ramesh is also researching the scientific reasoning behind traditional practices—such as how trees were selected and cut for crafting—and plans to publish a detailed book and documentary next year.
Reviving the Tradition for Modern Audiences
To reconnect younger generations with this narrative heritage, Ramesh is preparing to present all 32 stories at 32 locations across Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Schools, colleges and community groups have already begun expressing interest.
Workshops, competitions and an international experiential conference for schoolchildren are part of the revival plan.
Ramesh believes the form remains deeply relevant:
“If we present it clearly, every aspect resonates with today’s children and adults — especially in an era where entertainment is available at a click.”
His presentation at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan School showcased the historical, social and cultural richness of the tradition, demonstrating that this centuries-old storytelling form still holds meaningful lessons for contemporary audiences.
