| SACRED STEPS UNDER COLONIAL SHADOWS |
| This paper explores the historical trajectory of Bharatanatyam, examining its transformation from a sacred temple ritual to a globally recognized classical dance form, with a particular focus on the disruptive impact of British colonialism. Originating over two millennia ago in Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam was historically sustained by devadasis (temple dancers) and rajadasis (court performers) who utilized intricate expressions (abhinaya) and hand gestures (mudras) to convey deep spiritual devotion and mythological narratives. These artists held high social standing, supported by royal patronage and codified artistic frameworks like the Margam format established by the Tanjore Quartette.
However, the colonial era introduced severe setbacks through British legal interventions and the Anti-Nautch movement. Motivated by Victorian moral standards and religious biases, colonial authorities heavily stigmatized, marginalized, and ultimately banned the dance form. This systematically stripped traditional performers of their financial support, dignity, and socio-cultural identities, pushing the classical art form to the brink of extinction.
In response to colonial suppression, the Indian independence movement catalyzed a wave of cultural nationalism. Post-independence, visionary reformers and institutional bodies orchestrated a major revival. They restructured Bharatanatyam by shifting it from the traditional guru-shishya system to formal institutional training, adapting it for modern theater stages. While this successfully preserved the dance, democratized education, and elevated its spiritual refinement, it also repositioned the art within elite social spaces, marginalizing the original hereditary communities. Ultimately, the evolution of Bharatanatyam, alongside the resilience of regional folk dances, underscores the enduring power of Indian heritage and its capacity for resistance and adaptation amid profound political and social shifts.
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| Author: Miss S SHEVAANI S
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Submitted on : 26-May-2026
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Arts : India/ Classical Dance/ Bharatanatyam |
| Journal ID : 0001-101-0341
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| Views: 70/ Downloads :0 |
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