Table of Contents
Introduction | When Devotion Danced in Stone Halls
The story of Bharatanatyam dance history begins not on a stage, but in the sanctum of a temple. Imagine the flicker of oil lamps reflecting off carved granite pillars, the faint scent of jasmine in the air, and the rhythmic sound of ankle bells echoing in divine rhythm. Bharatanatyam is not merely a dance – it is a moving prayer, a sacred geometry of body, soul, and music that has carried India’s spiritual rhythm for over two millennia.
Born in the heart of Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam was once a language between human and divine — performed by Devadasis, temple dancers who embodied celestial grace. It was art as offering, rhythm as worship, and beauty as devotion.
Origins of Bharatanatyam : The Divine Blueprint of Movement
The roots of Bharatanatyam dance history trace back to the Natya Shastra, the ancient Sanskrit treatise written by sage Bharata Muni around 200 BCE. The term Bharatanatyam itself is often interpreted as a fusion of “Bha” (Bhava – emotion), “Ra” (Raga – melody), “Ta” (Tala – rhythm), and “Natyam” (dance).
In ancient Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam thrived in Chidambaram, Thanjavur, and Madurai, where temples weren’t just places of worship but cosmic theatres. The Devadasis – women dedicated to the service of deities – performed this dance during rituals, festivals, and processions, translating the Vedic hymns into motion.
Each gesture, each gaze, each step held layers of symbolic meaning – the dancer became a storyteller of myths, a messenger of gods.
The Grammar of Grace : Science and Spirituality in Motion
Bharatanatyam is both mathematical precision and spiritual poetry. It is built on three core pillars:
- Nritta – Pure dance, emphasizing rhythm and geometry.
- Nritya – Expressive dance, telling stories through facial expressions (abhinaya).
- Natya – Dramatic storytelling, blending movement, acting, and music.
Every posture resembles temple sculpture – symmetrical, balanced, and divine. The dancer’s bent knees form triangles that echo the architecture of South Indian temples, representing stability and harmony.
The eyes speak emotions, the hands narrate myths, and the body becomes an instrument of prayer.
Kapila Vatsyayan – Renowned Indian scholar and dance historian:
“Dance interprets in movement what music interprets in sound; the postures are the grammar of the dance, the rhythm is the language, and the expression is the meaning.”
The Devadasi Tradition : Women of Faith, Art, and Controversy
The Devadasi system, once sacred, became misunderstood over centuries. These women were trained in music, dance, and literature, and served temples as artists and custodians of culture. But during colonial times, this system was wrongly vilified.
British rulers, unable to comprehend its spiritual core, labeled it immoral, leading to the suppression of temple dance traditions. By the early 1900s, Bharatanatyam nearly vanished from cultural memory.
Yet, even in silence, the rhythm survived – waiting for revival.
The Revival : Rukmini Devi and the Modern Renaissance
The turning point in Bharatanatyam dance history came in the 1930s when visionary artist Rukmini Devi Arundale reintroduced the dance to modern India.
She founded Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, redefining Bharatanatyam as a stage art while preserving its spiritual depth. Rukmini Devi removed the stigma attached to Devadasi traditions and revived the dance’s dignity.
Her efforts transformed Bharatanatyam into a global cultural symbol, now performed across continents.
The Sacred Stage : Symbolism in Every Step
A Bharatanatyam performance is divided into six segments: Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana – each reflecting spiritual progression from awakening to divine bliss.
The dancer’s costume – vibrant silk saree with gold zari borders, temple jewelry, and the red-dyed fingertips and toes — symbolizes energy, purity, and offering.
The Nataraja, Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, remains the eternal inspiration – symbolizing creation and destruction through motion.
Padma Subrahmanyam – Eminent Bharatanatyam exponent and scholar:
“The Nritta Karanas can be broadly classified as those pertaining to graceful dance, those meant for acrobatic display, and others for buffoons.”
The Music Behind the Movement
Without music, Bharatanatyam loses its soul. The rhythm of mridangam, melody of veena, and the lyrical poetry of Carnatic compositions weave together a divine atmosphere.
Each step synchronizes with Tala (beat cycle) and Raga (melody). Dancers often perform to devotional songs dedicated to Krishna, Shiva, or Devi.
This sacred union of movement and sound turns performance into meditation.
Bharatanatyam in Sculptures and Temples
Ancient temples like Brihadeeswarar, Chidambaram, and Meenakshi Amman feature stone carvings that mirror Bharatanatyam poses. Sculptors used dancers as models for divine figures.
These sculptures are frozen moments of motion – a testament to India’s unity between art and spirituality.
Bharatanatyam Beyond Borders
Today, Bharatanatyam is celebrated globally — from New York to Singapore. International schools and diaspora communities teach it not just as a dance, but as heritage.
Western dancers have embraced Bharatanatyam’s spiritual depth, blending it with ballet and contemporary forms while respecting its roots.
The UNESCO recognition of Indian classical arts has helped preserve it for future generations.
Astad Deboo – Celebrated contemporary dancer and choreographer:
“Artistes are basically healers. We could rid the world of many ills, bring a smile on faces and soothe minds.”
Women, Identity, and Empowerment
What was once suppressed has become a voice of empowerment.
Modern women artists use Bharatanatyam to explore stories of identity, feminism, and faith.
Dancers like Alarmel Valli, Malavika Sarukkai, and Anita Ratnam have carried forward the legacy – blending tradition with modern interpretation.
Alarmel Valli – Distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer:
“With thousands of dancers clamouring to make their presence felt, the tendency is to opt for the most sensationalistic formulae… But this is often, sadly, at the cost of the nuances, grace and subtexts so intrinsic to the form.”
The Global Appeal : Bharatanatyam in Modern Media
From films to VR performances, Bharatanatyam continues evolving. Documentaries, stage collaborations, and digital showcases have made it accessible to global audiences.
YouTube performances and online dance schools have turned this 2000-year-old art into a living digital legacy.
The Science of Emotion : Abhinaya and Psychology
The Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikeshwara details facial expressions used in Bharatanatyam – the art of expressing rasa (emotion).
Each emotion – love, anger, compassion, valor – connects directly to the audience’s consciousness. This makes Bharatanatyam both a performing art and an ancient form of emotional psychology.
Sustainability and Preservation
Cultural institutions like Kalakshetra, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and UNESCO play vital roles in preserving Bharatanatyam.
Workshops, online archives, and youth festivals ensure that this art never fades again.
The Revival of Indian Handloom Textiles: Weaving Stories Through Fabric exploring similar movements of artistic resurgence.
The Divine in Motion : Bharatanatyam’s Philosophical Essence
At its heart, Bharatanatyam is bhakti (devotion) expressed through geometry and grace. It transcends religion, uniting body and spirit through rhythm.
Each dancer, when performing, becomes both worshipper and deity – dissolving ego into art.
Conclusion : The Eternal Dance of India’s Soul
Martha Graham – Legendary American modern dancer and choreographer:
“Dance is a song of the body. Either of joy or pain.”
From temple sanctuaries to world stages, the journey of Bharatanatyam dance history mirrors India’s own evolution – from faith to freedom, from silence to song.
It is an art that breathes, bows, and blossoms – a reminder that movement can be sacred, and stillness divine.
As long as the sound of ankle bells continues to echo, the story of Bharatanatyam will live on – as the rhythm of India’s eternal soul.
Also Visit : https://www.sangeetnatak.gov.in/
https://ich.unesco.org/en/lists
What is Bharatanatyam?
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, originating in Tamil Nadu. It combines nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive storytelling), and natya (dramatic enactment) to depict Hindu mythological stories and spiritual themes.
When did Bharatanatyam originate?
Bharatanatyam traces its origins to over 2,000 years ago, rooted in temple rituals and the Natya Shastra of sage Bharata Muni, which codified the techniques, gestures, and expressions of classical Indian dance.
Who were the original performers of Bharatanatyam?
The dance was traditionally performed by Devadasis, women dedicated to temple service, who expressed devotion to deities through movement, music, and intricate gestures.
What are the main components of Bharatanatyam?
The three key components are:
Nritta: Pure rhythmic movements
Nritya: Expressive storytelling using gestures and facial expressions
Natya: Theatrical or dramatic enactment of epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata
How did Bharatanatyam survive colonial suppression?
During colonial times, the Devadasi system was abolished, but Bharatanatyam survived through revivalists like Rukmini Devi Arundale, who adapted it for stage performances while preserving its spiritual and classical integrity.
What makes Bharatanatyam unique among Indian classical dances?
Bharatanatyam is renowned for its temple-inspired geometry, intricate mudras (hand gestures), expressive storytelling, and spiritual depth, often considered a “moving meditation.”
Can Bharatanatyam be performed outside of temples?
Yes. Today, Bharatanatyam is performed globally on stages, cultural festivals, and digital platforms, while still retaining its traditional rituals, stories, and spiritual essence.
What are the common themes in Bharatanatyam performances?
Common themes include devotion to Shiva and Vishnu, Krishna’s Rasa Leela, mythological epics, and abstract expressions of human emotions (Navarasa).
Is Bharatanatyam only for women?
No. While historically performed by Devadasis (women), today both men and women learn and perform Bharatanatyam professionally, carrying forward its tradition.
How is Bharatanatyam taught and preserved today?
Bharatanatyam is taught in institutions like Kalakshetra Foundation, private academies, and online platforms. Preservation efforts include workshops, international festivals, and UNESCO recognition, ensuring this 2,000-year-old art remains vibrant.
