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About Bharatanatyam
The Origin
Bharatanatyam, also known as Sadir, has its roots in the ancient Indian theatrologist and musicologist Bharata Muni's Sanskrit Hindu text ('Natya Shastra.') The earliest version of this text is believed to have been composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, however some sources suggest a broader timeframe of between 500 BCE to 500 CE. According to legend, Lord Brahmā described Bharatanatyam to the sage Bharata who documented it in a text known as the 'Nāṭyaśāstra. The text contains numerous verses divided into different chapters which categorize dance into three distinct forms: 'Nritta,' consisting of pure dance with intricate hand movements and gestures, 'natya ,' a solo expressive dance that incorporates emotive expressions and “Nritya” the combination of both in terms of footwork and abhinaya.
Bharatnatyam used to be passed down from one generation in a family to the next through the Devadasi system. Under this system, women would be dedicated to certain temples where they would serve as dancers and musicians. These highly skilled artists, along with their male gurus (nattuvanars), held exclusive knowledge about Bharatanatyam.
It was formally recognised as a performing art during the 19th century by the Tanjore Quartet. The Tanjur Quartet refers to four brothers who contributed significantly to the dance form by creating numerous musical compositions that continue to form a substantial part of Bharatanatyam repertoire today.
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Costume
Costumes and jewellery play a pivotal role in the mesmerizing world of classical dance performance. Bharatanāṭyam costumes come in various styles that align with the dance's themes and ensure ease of movement for the dancers. Although the overall style remains consistent, renowned dancers have innovatively modified their outfits.
The costume of women comprises a five-piece ensemble crafted from exquisite Kancheepuram silk sarees. The five pieces include a blouse, kalkacchi pants, a dhavani piece covering the upper body, an iduppu kacchai, and a distinct fan called visri. The variations in costume mainly lie in the choice of colors or patterns of the saree.
The conventional Bharatanāṭyam attire for male dancers follows a simple design. It involves a garment that covers the lower body, while the upper part remains adorned with basic jewellery. Unlike the elaborate garments worn by female dancers, men do not utilize additional upper body garments. The dhoti, a key component of their attire, is intricately stitched. Silk threads are used to create exquisite designs. In comparison to female dancers, male performers wear considerably fewer items of jewelry. However, when it comes to makeup, both men and women adhere to the same practices and techniques.
Mudras
A bharatanatyam dancer skillfully creates a captivating story using certain gesture known as mudras. They can be created using one or two hands. Their purpose is to convey specific meanings and enhance the visual appeal of the dance. They are complemented with intricate footwork or expressions.
Asamyukta hastas are hand gestures performed using a single hand.
Samyukta Hastas, also known as Double hand gestures or Combined hand gestures, are distinct from Asamyukta hastas as they involve the use of both palms to convey messages or specific meanings. An example of this is the Anjali Mudra, a simple gesture where both palms are joined together to signify a Namskara or to convey salutations.
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