Unveiling the Elegance: The History and Origins of Bharatanatyam

Of course. Based on your blog post “Unveiling the Elegance: The History and Origins of Bharatanatyam,” here are 10 relevant and in-depth FAQs written in the voice of the author, Gayatri Deka.

Frequently Asked Questions about the History of Bharatanatyam

1. What is the earliest known evidence of Bharatanatyam’s origins?

The theoretical foundations of our dance form are traced back to the ancient Sanskrit text, the Natya Shastra, written by the sage Bharata Muni. This comprehensive treatise on the performing arts is considered the foundational text for all classical Indian arts. We also see visual evidence of its antiquity in the stunning sculptures of dancers in the temples of Tamil Nadu, dating back centuries, which depict the very poses and movements we practise today.

2. Who were the ‘Devadasis’ and what was their precise role in the temple?

The Devadasis were the original custodians and practitioners of this art form when it was known as Sadir or Dasi Attam. They were women ritually dedicated to the service of a temple deity, and their dance was not entertainment but a sacred offering and a form of worship. They were highly respected artists who preserved this intricate tradition for centuries, passing it down through a lineage of teachers and disciples.

3. Why did Bharatanatyam decline during the British colonial era?

The decline was intrinsically linked to the stigmatisation of the Devadasi system. The colonial administration, with its Victorian sensibilities, misunderstood the sacred role of the Devadasis and viewed their tradition with suspicion. This led to social reforms that outlawed the system, and as a result, the dance form itself lost its patronage and was pushed to the margins of society, facing a period of great difficulty.

4. How did the name of the dance evolve from ‘Dasi Attam’ to ‘Bharatanatyam’?

The term ‘Bharatanatyam’ was popularised during the great revival movement in the early 20th century. It was a conscious choice by scholars and revivalists to move away from the term ‘Dasi Attam’, which had become associated with the stigma of the late Devadasi system. The new name re-established the art’s connection to its classical roots in Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra and gave it a new sense of dignity and national pride.

5. Who was Rukmini Devi Arundale and why is she so crucial to modern Bharatanatyam?

Rukmini Devi Arundale was a visionary and one of the most important figures in the 20th-century revival of Bharatanatyam. She took the temple art of Sadir, sanitised it of elements she felt were inappropriate for the modern stage, and restructured it for proscenium theatre. By founding the Kalakshetra institution, she created a structured curriculum and helped give the art form a new respectability, making it accessible to men and women from all parts of society.

6. Is the Bharatanatyam performed on stage today the same as the dance performed in ancient temples?

The soul, grammar, and spiritual essence of the dance remain the same, but the presentation has evolved significantly. The temple dance was often a solo ritual, performed in an intimate, sacred space. The modern stage version is a theatrical experience, often involving group choreographies, dramatic lighting, and a structure designed to captivate a large theatre audience. The core art is preserved, but its context has been reimagined.

7. What are the main stories or themes depicted in traditional Bharatanatyam?

Traditionally, the repertoire is rich with stories from our vast mythological and spiritual heritage. We narrate tales from the great epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, depict the playful antics of Lord Krishna, celebrate the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, and portray the power of goddesses like Durga and Lakshmi. These stories serve as beautiful allegories for exploring universal human emotions.

8. As a student, is it important for me to learn the history of the dance?

Yes, I believe it is absolutely essential. Knowing the history gives profound meaning to every movement you make. It helps you understand that you are not just learning steps, but becoming part of a sacred, resilient lineage. This knowledge fosters a deeper respect for the art and transforms a student from a mere technician into a thoughtful and sensitive artist.

9. How does your school, Natyam: School of Dance, connect with this rich history?

We connect with this history in every class we teach. The foundation of our training is the Guru-Shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition), ensuring the knowledge is passed down with reverence. We teach our students the historical and cultural context behind each dance piece, so they understand the stories they are telling. We see our school not just as a place for dance lessons, but as a small link in the great historical chain of this art form.

10. What does it mean for Bharatanatyam to be a ‘living tradition’?

It means that the art form is not a static relic of the past, confined to a museum. It is a tradition that breathes, grows, and adapts to the world around it. While its ancient roots and core principles are honoured and meticulously preserved, it continues to evolve through the creativity of new artists who use its timeless language to tell new stories. This balance of preservation and innovation is what keeps it vibrant and relevant for every generation.