Bharatanatyam: A Brief History Summary

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms in India, with a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. It is believed to have originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu, where it was performed as a form of worship by the devadasis, or temple dancers. Over time, Bharatanatyam evolved into a highly stylized and intricate dance form that is now recognized as one of the most popular classical dance styles in India.

According to Hindu tradition, the name "Bharatanatyam" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Bharata" and "Natyam." "Bharata" is a mnemonic comprising "bha," "ra," and "ta," which respectively mean "bhava" (emotion and feelings), "raga" (melody), and "tala" (rhythm). "Natyam" means dance. Together, the two words signify a dance form that combines emotion, melody, and rhythm in a highly expressive and intricate manner.

Over time, Bharatanatyam evolved to become a secular art form that was performed in the royal courts of South India. It gained popularity during the reign of the Nayak dynasty in the 16th century, who were great patrons of art and culture. The dance form continued to flourish until the 19th century when it faced a decline due to the anti-dance movement and the colonial ban.

During the British rule in India, Bharatanatyam was considered to be a vulgar and immoral dance form and was banned in 1910. However, the efforts of classical art revivalists like Rukmini Devi Arundale led to the revival of Bharatanatyam in the 1930s. Rukmini Devi established the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, which became a center for the promotion and preservation of Indian classical arts.

Today, Bharatanatyam is recognized as a major classical dance form of India and is performed all over the world. It is characterized by its intricate footwork, graceful hand gestures, and expressive facial expressions. The dance form is divided into three aspects - Nritta, which is pure dance, Nritya, which is expressive dance, and Natya, which is dramatic dance. It is known for its ability to convey complex emotions and tell stories through its movements.

In conclusion, Bharatanatyam has a rich history that is deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of South India. It has evolved over time to become a major classical dance form of India that is appreciated and admired all over the world. Bharatanatyam is performed by both men and women and has become a popular dance form not only in India but also around the world. However, the role of the Devadasis in the evolution of Bharatanatyam cannot be ignored. They were the guardians of the temple arts and played a significant role in the development of this classical Indian dance form.

Techniques and Elements

Bharatanatyam is a highly technical and intricate form of Indian classical dance that incorporates a wide range of movement techniques and elements. The dance form is known for its use of mudras or hand gestures, which are used to convey emotions, tell stories, and express ideas.

The dance form is typically performed solo and begins with a traditional piece called Alarippu, which is a pure nritta or technical dance piece that showcases the dancer's skill and technique. This is followed by a series of pieces that incorporate both nritta and nritya or expressive elements.

Bharatanatyam is based on the principles of bhava, raga, and tala, which respectively refer to emotions, melody, and rhythm. The dance form incorporates a wide range of techniques and repertoire, including jatiswaram, which is a pure nritta piece that showcases complex footwork and rhythmic patterns.

The dance form is typically accompanied by music played on traditional Indian instruments such as the mridangam, cymbals, and flute. The music is an integral part of the dance and helps to set the mood and tone of the performance.

In addition to its technical elements, Bharatanatyam is also known for its dramatic and expressive qualities. The dance form incorporates a wide range of emotions and allows the dancer to convey complex ideas and stories through movement and expression.

Overall, Bharatanatyam is a highly technical and expressive form of Indian classical dance that incorporates a wide range of techniques and elements. It is a solo dance form that showcases the dancer's skill and technique while also allowing them to convey complex emotions and ideas through movement and expression.

Revival and Modernization

In the early 20th century, Bharatanatyam was almost eradicated due to the Anti-Nautch campaign led by social reformers under Western influence, who condemned it as a social evil. However, thanks to the efforts of several revivalists, the dance form was revived and modernized.

One of the most prominent revivalists was Rukmini Devi Arundale, who was trained in Western classical dance but later became interested in Bharatanatyam. Along with her husband, George Arundale, she founded Kalakshetra, a school dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian classical arts. Rukmini Devi Arundale played a significant role in reviving Bharatanatyam and making it more accessible to a wider audience.

Another important figure in the revival of Bharatanatyam was E. Krishna Iyer, who was instrumental in bringing the dance form back to the stage. He worked with Rukmini Devi Arundale to create a new form of Bharatanatyam that was more suited to the stage and incorporated elements of other classical dance forms such as Kathak.

In 1951, the Sangeet Natak Akademi was established by the Indian government to promote and preserve traditional Indian arts, including Bharatanatyam. The Akademi recognized the importance of the classical arts and provided support for artists and institutions dedicated to their preservation.

Other classical art revivalists such as Mrinalini Sarabhai and Ragini Devi also made significant contributions to the revival and modernization of Bharatanatyam. They incorporated elements of modern dance and other classical dance forms to create a new style of Bharatanatyam that was more contemporary and accessible to a wider audience.

Today, Bharatanatyam is a thriving art form that is performed and taught all over the world. It owes its survival and success to the efforts of the revivalists and modernizers who worked tirelessly to preserve and promote this ancient dance form.

Bharatanatyam Around the World

Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that has gained popularity around the world. It is not just limited to India, but has also spread to other countries where it is performed and taught by both Indian and non-Indian dancers.

In the UK, Bharatanatyam has become a popular dance form. Many dance schools have opened up, and there are many performances that take place throughout the year. The popularity of Bharatanatyam has also led to the development of other Indian dance forms such as Kathak.

The gurus or teachers who teach Bharatanatyam are highly respected in the community. They are responsible for passing on the knowledge of this ancient art form to their students. In Kerala, the gurus are known as "Asan" and are highly respected.

Bharatanatyam is a complex dance form that consists of many different elements such as Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana. Each of these elements has its own unique style and is performed to different types of music.

In Karnataka, the Veena is often used as the main instrument for Bharatanatyam performances. The music is usually in Telugu or Kannada, and the lyrics are often taken from ancient Indian texts.

Bharatanatyam is not just limited to India, but has also spread to other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Many non-Indian dancers have also taken an interest in this dance form and have become proficient in it.

Costume and Jewellery

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The costume and jewellery worn by Bharatanatyam dancers play an important role in enhancing the visual appeal of the performance and adding authenticity to the portrayal of characters. The traditional costume for female dancers consists of a vibrant silk saree with intricate designs, pleated in a specific style called the "Madisar" or "Nivi" drape. Male dancers usually wear a dhoti and a shirt or a veshti.

The costume is usually accompanied by jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, bangles, and anklets. The jewellery is typically made of gold and is adorned with precious stones. The design of the jewellery is intricate and often reflects the culture and traditions of the region in which the dance form originated.

In addition to costume and jewellery, henna is also used to decorate the hands and feet of the dancers. The henna designs are intricate and add to the beauty of the performance.

The Thanjavur style of Bharatanatyam is known for its elaborate and ornate costumes and jewellery. The costumes are often made of silk and embellished with gold thread and precious stones. The jewellery worn by the dancers is also elaborate and often includes a headpiece and waist belt.

Overall, the costume and jewellery worn by Bharatanatyam dancers are an integral part of the performance and add to the beauty and authenticity of the dance form.

Influence on Other Dance Forms

Bharatanatyam has had a significant influence on other classical Indian dance forms, such as Kathak, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Manipuri, and Odissi. These dance forms share many similarities with Bharatanatyam, such as the use of intricate footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions to convey emotions and tell stories.

Kathak, for example, originated in northern India and was heavily influenced by Persian and Mughal culture. However, it also shares many similarities with Bharatanatyam, such as the use of rhythmic footwork and hand gestures to convey emotions and tell stories. Similarly, Kuchipudi, which originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh, also shares many similarities with Bharatanatyam, such as the use of intricate footwork and facial expressions to convey emotions.

Kathakali, on the other hand, is a highly stylized dance form that originated in Kerala and is known for its elaborate makeup, costumes, and facial expressions. However, it also shares many similarities with Bharatanatyam, such as the use of intricate footwork and hand gestures to convey emotions and tell stories.

Manipuri and Odissi, two other classical Indian dance forms, also share many similarities with Bharatanatyam, such as the use of intricate footwork and hand gestures to convey emotions and tell stories. However, they also have their own unique styles and techniques that set them apart from Bharatanatyam.

Overall, Bharatanatyam has had a profound influence on the development of classical Indian dance forms, and its techniques and styles continue to inspire new generations of dancers.

Bharatanatyam in Popular Culture

Bharatanatyam has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries and has influenced popular culture in various ways. One of the most significant contributions of Bharatanatyam to popular culture is its influence on Indian classical music, particularly Carnatic music. The dance form and the music are closely intertwined, with the music providing the rhythmic structure and melodic accompaniment to the dance.

Bharatanatyam has also been an important medium for storytelling and has been used to narrate various mythological stories, including the Ramayana. The dance form has been used to depict the various characters and events in the epic, bringing them to life through intricate hand gestures, facial expressions, and complex footwork.

In addition to its artistic and cultural significance, Bharatanatyam has also played a role in society. Historically, the dance was performed by Devadasis, women who were dedicated to serving the temple deities. While the Devadasi system has been abolished, Bharatanatyam continues to be performed by women and has become a symbol of feminine grace and strength.

The role of the nattuvanar, the person who provides the rhythmic accompaniment to the dance, is also significant in the dance form's history and culture. The nattuvanar is responsible for guiding the dancer through the various rhythmic patterns and providing cues for the dancer to begin and end each sequence.

Overall, Bharatanatyam's impact on popular culture is significant, with its influence extending beyond the confines of the dance form itself. Its contributions to music, storytelling, and society have cemented its place as one of India's most treasured cultural traditions.

Today, we see bharatanatyam being incorporated more and more into different dance forms and even into the bollywood culture. With pop bollywood routines fused with classical elements, we see this fusion becoming adapted and popular. The artform is mesmerizing yet challenging, so it's highly respected and sought after even just to learn a few steps. 

In our studio, we have semiclassical classes and often host classical fusion workshops where foundational bharatanatyam elements are taught (adavus, mudras, postures etc.) and fused into a modern day bollywood or carnatic song. We're able to fuse the love of both dance styles into one. 

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