History

The term Bha-ra-ta implies the triple components of bhava (expressional dance), raga (melody) and tala (rhythm) all of which are judiciously combined in this beautiful dance style.

Originally Bharat Natyam was a ritual dance wherein young women occupied the hallowed position of a temple dancer and performed to the accompaniment of a number of devotional songs while giving vivid facial expressions that conveyed the meaning of the accompanying lyrics. The name Bharata Natyam was given to this dance much later, when it was formally introduced on the stage for the enjoyment of connoisseurs and the general public. It was earlier known as Sadir.

Bharata Natyam originated from Tamil Nadu. During the time of Vijayanagar dynasty Bharata Natyam absorbed a number of influences of its neighboring state, Andhra Pradesh
Thus, the Telegu language of Andhra Pradesh forms a substantial part of the background music for Bharata Natyam, besides the original songs in the Tamil language.

Later, during the early 18th century there were many great composers who were employed in the court of Sarabhoji, a noteworthy Maratha ruler, and most prominent among them were four brothers called Ponnaiah, Chinnaiah, Sadasivam and Vadivelu.

These learned men gave proper shape to Sadir. Tanjore secular community developed Bharatanatyam with 'Natya Shastra' as a guideline. Today's Bharata Natyam owes much stylized structure to these four brothers who came to be known as the 'Tanjore Quartet'.

From then onwards Bharata Natyam has largely remained in the format that the Quartet had given, though individual variations can be found in the presentations of some contemporary Bharata Natyam dancers.