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History of Bharatanatyam

nataraja shiva sculpture

Bharatanatyam is one of India’s oldest and most revered classical dance traditions. Originating in the temples of South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, it evolved from a sacred ritual art into a globally celebrated stage performance.

 

The roots of Bharatanatyam trace back over 2,000 years. Its theoretical foundation lies in the Natya Shastra, written by sage Bharata Muni. This monumental text codified:

  • Dance techniques

  • Body movements (Angika)

  • Expressions (Abhinaya)

  • Emotional states (Rasa)

  • Performance principles

Bharatanatyam developed as a physical embodiment of these principles.

Historically, Bharatanatyam was performed by Devadasis (female temple dancers) who dedicated their lives to serving the deity. The dance was:

  • A form of worship

  • A storytelling medium for mythology

  • Performed inside temple sanctums

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