Bharatanatyam - Art and Culture Notes
Bharatanatyam is a form of classical dance that originated in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu, India, and is considered to be over 2000 years old. One of India's eight classical dances in Bharatanatyam. The sage Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra is where this dance got its start. This article will explain to you the concepts related to Bharatanatyam which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.
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Bharatanatyam
- Bharatnatyam, the oldest of all classical dance styles, is named after Bharata Muni and the Tamil word 'natyam,' which means dance.
- Other academics, on the other hand, have attributed the name 'Bharata' to 'Bhava', 'Raga', and 'Taal.'
- The origins of this dance form can be traced back to 'Sadir,' which was a solo dance performance by temple dancers or 'devadasis' in Tamil Nadu, hence the name 'Dashiattam.'
- Nandikesvara's Abhinaya Darpana is one of the most important texts for studying the technique and grammar of body movement in Bharatnatyam Dance.
- The devadasis, young girls 'given' to temples by their parents and married to the gods, kept the style alive.
| Other Relevant Links | |
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| Indian Classical Dance Forms | Mohiniyattam |
| Kuchipudi | Odissi |
| Kathakali | Manipuri |
| Kathak | Sattriya |
Bharatanatyam - Features
- Four Thanjavur dance gurus defined the parts of a Bharatnatyam recital in the early 1800s.
- Alarippu - It's an expressive piece of dance that incorporates basic dance postures and is complemented by rhythmic phrases. Its purpose is to seek God's blessings.
- Jatiswaram - It is the Nritta component, which is devoid of expressions and consists of various stances and movements.
- Shabdam - It is the dramatic part in the song, with articulated lyrics, that incorporates the abhinaya. It is usually sung in honor of God's glory.
- Varnam - It's the Nritya part of the equation. It is the most significant portion of the entire performance, as it involves a blend of dance and emotions. To express the plot, it is synchronized with tala and raag.
- Padam - It refers to the artist's mastery of the abhinaya (expression) of the spiritual message. Music takes on a lighter tone, and dance takes on a more emotional tone.
- Jawali - These are fast-paced love songs with minimal lyrics.
- Thillana - It is the performance's final stage, and it consists of pure dance (Nritta) with exuberant movement and intricate rhythmic variations.
- Chiniah, Ponniah, Vadivelu, and Shivanandam are the four Thanjavur instructors known as the 'Tanjore quartet.' Bharatnatyam became known as Tanjore Natyam under their influence.
- Since it is the manifestation of fire in the human body, Bharatnatyam is commonly referred to as the "fire dance." The majority of Bharatnatyam's movements mimic those of a dancing flame.
- The Tandava and Lasya parts of dance are equally important in this dance form, with a strong emphasis on mudras.'
- The tandava dance focuses on rhythm and movement and represents the male aspects of dancing. It is characterized by sharp, powerful motions that attempt to portray the essence of the underlying bhava.
- The lasya elements are portrayed by gentle, fluid movements that seem to melt into one another in a lovely blur with no harsh edges.
- Grace, bhava, rasa, and abhinaya are all represented by this phrase. It symbolizes the feminine side of dance as an art form.
- The 'KatakaMukha Hasta,' in which the three fingers are joined to symbolize 'Om,' is one of the most important mudras.
- The knees are typically bent in a Bharatanatyam performance, and the weight is evenly distributed over both feet.
- It is also distinguished by the 'Ekcharya lasyam' technique, in which a single dancer performs multiple roles.
Conclusion
Bharatanatyam is a type of classical dance that began in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu in South India and is one of the oldest and most popular. The sage Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra is where this dance got its start. The Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam, formerly known as Sadir Attam or Thevarattam, is a modification of sadir by E Krishna Iyer and Rukmini Devi Arundale, who were influential in changing primarily the Pandanallur style of dance.
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| Indian Art and Culture | Performing Arts |
| Indian Music | Indian Circus |
| Indian Puppetry | Indian Theatre |
FAQs
Question: What is Bharatanatyam?
Answer: Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms of India, originating from the state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions, making it a complete dance form that conveys complex narratives and emotions.
Question: What are the main components of Bharatanatyam?
Answer: Bharatanatyam consists of three main components: Nritta (pure dance movements), Nritya (expressive dance that conveys emotion and meaning), and Natya (dramatic elements). These components blend together to create a holistic performance that showcases both technical prowess and emotional depth.
Question: What is the significance of mudras in Bharatanatyam?
Answer: Mudras, or hand gestures, are integral to Bharatanatyam and are used to convey specific meanings, emotions, and stories. Each mudra has a distinct representation and is employed to enhance the narrative aspect of the dance, making the performance more expressive and meaningful.
Question: Who is considered the father of modern Bharatanatyam?
Answer: Rukmini Devi Arundale is often regarded as the revivalist and the "mother" of modern Bharatanatyam. She played a pivotal role in popularizing and institutionalizing the dance form in the early 20th century, elevating its status and bringing it to the global stage through her efforts and the founding of Kalakshetra in Chennai.
Question: What is the typical attire worn during a Bharatanatyam performance?
Answer: The traditional attire for Bharatanatyam includes a sari that is pleated to allow for flexibility, adorned with gold or silver borders, and matched with jewelry. The dancer also wears anklets with bells (ghungroos) to accentuate the rhythm of footwork, along with makeup that highlights the eyes and facial expressions.
MCQs
1. Where did Bharatanatyam originate?
A) Kerala
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Karnataka
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Explanation: Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil Nadu and has roots in the ancient dance traditions of temple dancers called Devadasis.
2. Which component of Bharatanatyam focuses on pure dance movements?
A) Natya
B) Nritya
C) Nritta
D) Mudras
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Explanation: Nritta refers to pure dance movements without any expressive or narrative elements, focusing solely on rhythm and technical skill.
3. Who is credited with reviving and popularizing Bharatanatyam in modern times?
A) Uday Shankar
B) Rukmini Devi Arundale
C) Birju Maharaj
D) Yamini Krishnamurthy
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Explanation: Rukmini Devi Arundale played a key role in the revival of Bharatanatyam by establishing the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai and promoting the dance form globally.
4. What is the primary purpose of mudras in Bharatanatyam?
A) To maintain balance
B) To convey emotions and stories
C) To keep rhythm
D) To show physical strength
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Explanation: Mudras, or hand gestures, are used to convey specific meanings, emotions, and stories, adding expressiveness to the dance.
5. What attire is typically worn during a Bharatanatyam performance?
A) Ghagra-choli
B) Traditional sari with pleats and jewelry
C) Salwar kameez
D) Leotard and skirt
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Explanation: Bharatanatyam dancers wear a traditional sari that is specially pleated for movement, along with jewelry and ghungroos (anklets with bells).
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Explain the historical significance of Bharatanatyam and its evolution into a modern classical dance form.
Answer: Bharatanatyam, one of India’s oldest classical dance forms, originated from the temples of Tamil Nadu, where it was performed by Devadasis as a form of worship. It is deeply rooted in Natya Shastra, an ancient treatise on performing arts written by sage Bharata. Over time, Bharatanatyam evolved from a temple dance to a respected art form, especially during the colonial period when Rukmini Devi Arundale played a pivotal role in its revival and standardization. She founded Kalakshetra in Chennai, focusing on training dancers and promoting the art globally. Bharatanatyam now represents a blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and storytelling, making it an essential part of India's cultural heritage.
Q2: Discuss the significance of mudras and facial expressions in Bharatanatyam and their role in storytelling.
Answer: Mudras (hand gestures) and facial expressions are crucial to Bharatanatyam, serving as tools for conveying stories and emotions. Each mudra has a specific meaning, enabling dancers to depict characters, actions, and concepts without words. Combined with abhinaya (expressive art), these elements bring stories to life, allowing the audience to connect with the narrative on an emotional level. Facial expressions play a vital role in enhancing the storytelling aspect, showcasing a range of emotions such as joy, anger, sorrow, and love. This synergy of gestures and expressions makes Bharatanatyam a powerful medium for both religious devotion and theatrical performance.
Q3: Analyze the role of Bharatanatyam in preserving India’s cultural heritage and its impact on modern performances.
Answer: Bharatanatyam plays an integral role in preserving India’s cultural heritage by maintaining traditional dance forms and practices that date back thousands of years. It serves as a living archive of ancient religious, philosophical, and artistic traditions. The dance form’s emphasis on discipline, technique, and storytelling has inspired modern performances, fostering innovation while staying true to its roots. Contemporary artists often incorporate elements of Bharatanatyam into modern choreography, promoting cultural fusion and attracting global audiences. This not only keeps the art form relevant but also reinforces the cultural identity of India, ensuring that Bharatanatyam continues to evolve while honoring its classical essence.
Previous Year Questions on Bharatanatyam
1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:
Question: Which classical dance form is known for its fixed upper torso and intricate footwork?
A) Kathakali
B) Odissi
C) Bharatanatyam
D) Kuchipudi
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Bharatanatyam is known for its distinctive fixed upper torso, bent legs, and intricate footwork, combined with expressive gestures and facial expressions.
2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):
Question: "Discuss the significance of classical dance forms in preserving India’s cultural identity with a special focus on Bharatanatyam."
Answer: Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam are vital for preserving India’s cultural identity as they embody centuries-old traditions, philosophies, and stories. Bharatanatyam, with its origins in Tamil Nadu, integrates elements of devotion and art, adhering to the principles laid out in the Natya Shastra. It serves as a cultural bridge between generations, teaching values, history, and art through intricate performances. The dance's narrative techniques, expressed through abhinaya and mudras, are not only artistic but also educational, reinforcing India’s rich heritage. Prominent figures like Rukmini Devi Arundale have ensured that Bharatanatyam adapts while maintaining its classical roots, allowing it to contribute meaningfully to India’s cultural legacy.
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