Author: Ram Krishnamani Date: January 8, 2025
Narrated by Shantha
Chapter 2 of Shall We Dance explores the rich history of Bharatanatyam, one of India’s most treasured classical dance forms. Derived from the Sanskrit words “Bha,” “Ra,” and “Ta,” representing Bhavam (emotion), Ragam (melody), and Talam (rhythm), Bharatanatyam masterfully combines these elements to convey profound stories and emotions through its intricate movements and expressions.
This dance form originated over 2000 years ago in the temples of Tamil Nadu, as documented in the ancient treatise, the Natya Shastra, written by Sage Bharata. Traditionally, Bharatanatyam was performed by Devadasis, women dedicated to temple service, particularly in places like the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, where sculptures depict Bharatanatyam poses, highlighting its deep spiritual roots. During the British colonial era, Bharatanatyam faced severe suppression, with temple dancing even being banned.
However, the dance form experienced a revival in the early 20th century, thanks to the tireless efforts of revivalists like Rukmini Devi Arundale and E. Krishna Iyer. They played a pivotal role in bringing Bharatanatyam from the confines of temples to the proscenium stage, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Today, Bharatanatyam is celebrated worldwide, a testament to the resilience of India’s classical arts, and continues to inspire and captivate audiences across cultural and geographical boundaries.
