What is Bharatanatyam?

Bharatanatyam is the oldest classical dance form of India, originating from Tamil Nadu with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It was earlier known as Sadiraattam and was renamed Bharatanatyam in 1932 during the revival movement. The name is derived from Sanskrit: "Bha" (bhava/emotion), "Ra" (raga/melody), "Ta" (tala/rhythm), and "Natyam" (dance).

The theoretical foundations of Bharatanatyam are found in the Natya Shastra (attributed to sage Bharata, compiled between 200 BCE and 200 CE) and the Tamil text Kootha Nool from the Tholkappiyam (c. 250 BCE). Historically, the dance was performed exclusively by Devadasis (temple dancers) in Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu and remained confined to temples through the 19th century. It appeared on public stages only in the 20th century following a cultural revival led by figures like E. Krishna Iyer and Rukmini Devi Arundale.

Bharatanatyam is recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as one of India's eight classical dance forms. It expresses South Indian religious themes, particularly of Shaivism, through a vocabulary of hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions (abhinaya), and rhythmic footwork.

Key Features

# Feature Details
1 Origin Tamil Nadu; temple dance tradition over 2,000 years old
2 Earlier Name Sadiraattam; renamed Bharatanatyam in 1932
3 Textual Basis Natya Shastra (Bharata Muni) and Kootha Nool (Tholkappiyam)
4 Basic Posture Aramandi (half-sitting position with bent knees), fixed upper torso
5 Performance Style Traditionally solo dance by a female performer
6 Nritta Pure rhythmic dance without narrative content
7 Nritya Expressive dance combining rhythm with storytelling through mudras and abhinaya
8 Margam Traditional concert repertoire sequence (Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, Tillana)
9 Revival 20th century revival by E. Krishna Iyer and Rukmini Devi Arundale
10 Recognition One of 8 classical dances recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi

UPSC Exam Corner

Prelims: Key Facts

  • Origin: Tamil Nadu; history over 2,000 years
  • Classical text: Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni
  • Key posture: Aramandi (half-sitting, bent knees)
  • Revivalists: Rukmini Devi Arundale, E. Krishna Iyer
  • Religious theme: primarily Shaivism
  • Earlier performed by: Devadasis in temples

Mains: Probable Themes

  1. Discuss the evolution of Bharatanatyam from a temple ritual to a global performing art
  2. Analyse the role of the Devadasi tradition in preserving and transmitting classical dance forms
  3. Examine the contribution of the 20th-century revival movement in reclaiming Bharatanatyam's cultural legitimacy
  4. "Classical dance forms are living heritage, not museum pieces." -- Discuss with reference to Bharatanatyam

Sources: Bharatanatyam (Wikipedia) | Bharatanatyam (Britannica) | Bharatanatyam History (ipassio) | 6 Classical Dances of India (Britannica)