Bharatanatyam

Ancient Indian dances originated either in worship or are ascribed to the gods themselves.  Bharatanatyam was born in the temples. Today it is one of the most sought-after forms among students and aficionados of Indian classical dance.

Over the last two centuries Bharatanatyam has evolved from a highly codified style to one affording the maximum freedom to innovate. The dance’s journey from the temple to the proscenium is a fascinating story. No other form has traversed such a long distance without losing its original content and yet being a sparkling example of creative evolution in terms of material, music, costume etc.  Bharatnatyam today ranks as a major cultural symbol of India.

Ashish Mohan Khokar is a well-known writer and commentator on the arts and crafts, culture and civilisation, and religion and spirituality of India. He has been a critic for The Times of India, a columnist for several magazines, a TV personality, and editor of Attendance, India’s Year-book on Dance. He is based in Bangalore and Chennai.