Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most refined classical dance forms of India, originating in the temples of Tamil Nadu. Known for its grace, purity, expression, and intricate rhythmic patterns, it embodies a harmonious blend of music, rhythm, and storytelling. Deeply rooted in Hindu religious themes and aesthetics, Bharatanatyam evolved as a medium for spiritual expression and devotional worship before becoming a celebrated art form on the modern stage.

Historical Background and Origins

Bharatanatyam traces its origins to the ancient Nātya Shāstra attributed to Bharata Muni, written between 200 BCE and 200 CE. This foundational treatise outlines the principles of dance, drama, and music in Indian performing arts. The term “Bharatanatyam” is often interpreted as a compound of Bhāva (expression), Rāga (melody), Tāla (rhythm), and Natyam (dance), encapsulating the essential components of the form.
Historically, Bharatanatyam developed in the temples of South India as a form of ritual worship performed by Devadasis—women dedicated to the service of deities. These dancers performed as part of temple rituals, enacting hymns and mythological stories through expressive movements. Temples like Chidambaram, Kanchipuram, and Thanjavur became prominent centres for its development, with royal patronage from dynasties such as the Cholas and Pandyas.
The art was originally known by various names including Sadir, Dasiattam, and Chinnamelam. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the practice faced social decline due to colonial moral reform movements and the disrepute associated with the Devadasi system. However, through the efforts of reformers and artists like E. Krishna Iyer, Rukmini Devi Arundale, and Balasaraswati, Bharatanatyam was revived and redefined as a respected classical art.

Technique and Elements of Performance

Bharatanatyam is renowned for its precise technique, geometric clarity, and expressive storytelling. The dance combines three essential elements:

• Nritta (Pure Dance): Consists of abstract rhythmic movements emphasising form, speed, and rhythm, without narrative meaning.
• Nritya (Expressive Dance): Uses facial expressions, hand gestures (mudras), and body movements to convey emotion and tell stories.
• Natya (Dramatic Representation): Incorporates dramatic enactment of mythological or devotional themes, merging dance and theatre.

The dance is built on a structured vocabulary of movements, codified through adavus—basic steps or units of movement performed in synchrony with the rhythm (tāla). Dancers maintain the characteristic aramandi posture, a half-sitting stance symbolising strength and grace.

Abhinaya and Expression

One of the defining features of Bharatanatyam is abhinaya, the art of expression. It encompasses four aspects:

1. Āngika – bodily gestures and movements.
2. Vāchika – speech or song (used indirectly through accompanying music).
3. Āhārya – costume and ornamentation.
4. Sāttvika – emotional expression and inner feeling.

Through subtle eye movements, facial expressions, and symbolic hand gestures (hastas), the dancer portrays various characters and emotions derived from Hindu mythology. Themes often revolve around devotion (bhakti), love (śṛṅgāra), and heroism (vīra).

Music and Accompaniment

Bharatanatyam is traditionally performed to Carnatic music, the classical music system of South India. The orchestra typically includes a vocalist, mridangam (double-headed drum), violin, flute, and nattuvanar (conductor) who plays the nattuvangam—cymbals marking the rhythm.
The compositions used in Bharatanatyam are usually in Tamil, Telugu, or Sanskrit, featuring devotional poetry by saint-poets like Andal, Tyagaraja, and Muthuswami Dikshitar. The musical structure and rhythmic cycles are intricately coordinated with the dancer’s movements and footwork.

Structure of a Bharatanatyam Recital

A traditional Bharatanatyam performance follows a well-defined sequence known as the Margam (path), formulated by the Thanjavur Quartet in the 19th century. The sequence symbolically represents the spiritual journey of the soul from devotion to liberation:

1. Alarippu – rhythmic invocation that introduces the basic movement vocabulary.
2. Jatiswaram – pure dance piece combining rhythmic patterns and melodic structures.
3. Shabdam – introduces expressive elements with short narrative compositions.
4. Varnam – the central and most elaborate piece, blending intricate footwork and abhinaya to express devotion or love.
5. Padams and Javalis – lyrical compositions exploring emotional and devotional themes.
6. Tillana – a lively rhythmic finale showcasing technical virtuosity.
7. Mangalam – a concluding benediction offered to the audience and the divine.

This structured format ensures balance between rhythm, melody, and expression, making each performance a holistic artistic experience.

Costume and Aesthetic Elements

The costume of Bharatanatyam is distinctive, combining elegance with symbolism. Female dancers wear a silk sari stitched in a fan-like design to facilitate movement, along with elaborate jewellery, waistbands, and ankle bells (ghungroo). Male dancers wear dhoti and ornaments suited to their roles.
Make-up emphasises the eyes and facial features to enhance expressions, while the hair is traditionally adorned with flowers and ornaments. The costumes and colours vary according to the theme and character being portrayed, often reflecting divine attributes.

Themes and Symbolism

Thematically, Bharatanatyam is deeply connected with spirituality and Indian philosophy. It often depicts episodes from epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana. The dancer symbolises the jeevatma (individual soul) seeking union with the paramatma (supreme soul).
Apart from religious themes, modern Bharatanatyam has also incorporated social, philosophical, and contemporary subjects while maintaining its classical framework.

Revival and Modern Development

The revival of Bharatanatyam in the 20th century marked a turning point in Indian performing arts. Rukmini Devi Arundale, founder of the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai (1936), played a pioneering role in elevating the art from its ritual setting to the concert stage. She redefined its presentation, choreography, and costume design, making it accessible to wider audiences while preserving its spiritual essence.
Simultaneously, Balasaraswati, a legendary dancer from a traditional Devadasi family, upheld the emotive and improvisational depth of abhinaya, emphasising its devotional core. The coexistence of these approaches enriched Bharatanatyam’s artistic diversity.
Post-independence, the dance form gained recognition as a symbol of India’s cultural identity. It became part of academic curricula, international festivals, and cross-cultural collaborations, inspiring new generations of performers and choreographers.

Global Influence and Contemporary Practice

Today, Bharatanatyam enjoys global acclaim, with practitioners and institutions established in Europe, North America, and Asia. The dance continues to evolve, embracing modern themes and interdisciplinary experimentation while maintaining its classical grammar.
Contemporary artists use Bharatanatyam to address issues such as gender, environment, and social justice, demonstrating its adaptability and relevance. Yet, at its core, it remains a sacred art—a dynamic dialogue between devotion, discipline, and aesthetic perfection.