History Of Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is one of the earliest dance forms in India, It has evolved into a well developed style over the years. Today it is one of the popular dance style of India. It is precieved that Bharatanatya has contributed in the evolution of other dance styles in india like Kathak, kuchipudi, etc. Bharata Natya is not meant to be a form of entertainment for the senses, it is a way to enrich one’s soul. Hence, Bharata Natya is an art focused on spiritual expression.

Bharata Natya is a name given to the dasiattam. It was well known as ‘Sadir Naucth.’ it was performed by Devadasis. The dance was performed in praise of the presiding deity and describing the hindu mithologies. Later, it transformed into dancers who were under the patronage of king. The court dancers were known as Rajadasis. This dance involved Nritta, the pure dance, and Nritya, emotions.

India is a land of stories which spiritually awaken mankind. The lyrics for Bharata Natya are taken from the sacred epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata. The stories and episodes are danced in the form of song and dance-dramas. The superman qualities of characters in the epics when depicted through various gestures make the content of Bharata Natya divine.

The Music used in Bharata Natya is South Indian (carnatic) with the violin, veena, flute, and Mridanga to support the singer. Natuvangam or cymbal, a metal (Ghana) instrument, is the soul of Bharata Natya. It is usually played by Guru, which directs the dancer with her movements. The pure dance syllables are sung by guru with the playing of the Natuvangam. Treatises on dance give more importance to the Natuvangam player calling him ‘taladhari.’ His qualities and mode of playing are discussed in detail.

In this way, Bharata Natya has the credit of making use of all the four types of instruments (string, wind, membrane, and metal) denoted by Bharata. Khoravanji is the classification of Bharata Natya. It is in the form of dance dramas enacted by 6 to 8 ladies. Koravanji is usually danced in Shiva temples wherein the presider is the hero of the dance-drama. Sometimes, the presider is the king of that province. The music used in Koravanji is desi which makes it attractive. The dress is unlike Bharata Natya’s frilled one, and jewelry is heavy. Azagharkoravanji, and Kotral Koravanji are famous dance dramas.

Bhagavata Mela is yet another classification of Bharatanatya where the ‘Natya’ aspect of the dance is used elaborately. ‘Natya’ has Nritta, Nritya, and vachika (speech) in it. Normally, it is danced in Vishnu temples by male dancers. Melatur of Tamilnad is said to be the origin of Bhagavata Mela.

Adavus are the basic steps of Bharatanatya. They consist purely of dance movements with hand gestures. Hands, feet, and the major and minor limbs of the body are involved in an adavu. They are danced in 3 speeds and 5 rhythms. It is impossible to know Bharatanatya style of dance without the knowledge of these adavus. There are 15 to 20 types with inner classifications in them. Scholars opine that the popular 108 karnas engraved on the temple walls at chidambarm are the static poses of Adavus.

The repertoire of Bharata Natya opens with Pushpanjali which depicts the offering of flowers to Lord of dance, Nataraja, and to the other patron deities like Brahma and Ista devatha.

There are more items predominantly having lasya and abhinaya aspects. These are padam, Astapadi, Javali, Kruti, and devaranama which depicts the five types of Bhakti bhava, namely Sakhya, Kanta, Madhura, Dasya, and vatslya.

Bharata Natyam is an art which gives spiritual beauty to the flesh and lifts one from temporal to eternal values.

Bharatanatyam is a popular dance form in india, it has evolved into a fine and sophisticated art form over several hundred years, If you are interested to know more about Bharatanatyam or take Bharatanatyam courses online, you can find them here gurus247.com.