Introduction- Bharatanatyam

Dance is a divine art. These are mainly performed to express an emotion in which the whole community participates. Thus, dance and music form an integral part of life itself. India is no exception, possessing a very rich culture and heritage that encompasses so many dance and music forms. It is very interesting to know that Indian classical dance forms are inspired by “bhakthi”. 

Bharatanaytam, a dance with exact science, needs no introduction. This dance, places equal emphasis on different aspects, like Bhava, Ragam, Thalam. Dancing in temples has been practiced for 1800 years and is still young, fascinating and alive.

The origin and antiquity of Bharatanatyam can be traced back to the Vedas and with the figures of dancing girls in Mohen-jo-daro. 

Sculptures from important temples of Tamil Nadu with dancing postures are found in:

·         Brahadeeswara Thanjavur     -- 11^th  century

·         Sarangapani Kumbakonam   --12^th   

·         Nataraja Chidambaram          -- 13^th

·         Arunachalesvara Thiruvannamalai   -- 15^th

·         Vrddhagirisvara vrddhachalam         -- 16^th

The history of dance can be classified under three heads:

·         Prehistoric: Vedic reference, in puranas, epics etc.

·         Medieval: From 2 BC to 9 AD. We can explore the monuments, Buddhist stupas, caves of Ellora, and temples in various parts of India.

·         Modern: From 10 AD to present day. This period witnessed a great growth, exploration and development in the art form and can be seen in many sculptures, musical areas, dramas, and other books.  

                                                                                                                                                                                 

We all know, Natya Sastra is the treatise for any fine art. Sri S.N Ramadesikan, mentions that Natya Sastra had its origin around 200 B.C.  It is also believed that trio – Sadhasivar, Brahma, Bharathar, created Natya Sastra. Each contributed 30000, 12000, 6000 slokas respectively. 

Abhinava Gupta from Kashmir and many others also called this Natya Veda.  

In the time of Silapadhikaram, dance was called Natyam. “Tamil Natya” was also called by different names like Sadirattam, Daisattam, Koothu (Shanthi koothu and Vinodha koothu), Aadal, Nrittam, Layam, Nartanam, Natam. It is strongly believed that "Sadir" was the precursor of modern Bharatanatyam. An immense variety of exquisite rhythmic patterns called Nritta on the one hand and highly refined and suggestively symbolic Abhinaya on the other, distinguish Bharatanatyam from the other dancing styles of the world. Every dance unit called Karana in Sanskrit or Adavu in Tamil is made up of a specific pose, a foot movement and an Nritta Hasta. A continuation of such unit makes an Angahara (dance sequence) and a number of Angaharas constitutes a full dance.

In the thirteenth century, Sarngadeva who wrote the Sangita Ratnakara, classified dance into Natya, Nritta, Nritya.

Hari Om

Dance is an art form where complete surrender is possible! body, mind and soul combine to become an instrument of offering... dance to bliss...


A blog dedicated to my grandfather... Shri. G.Subramanyam. I hope to make you proud every day.