The Natya Shastra is an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, dated between 200 BCE and 200 CE. It outlines the theory of dance, drama, and music, forming the theoretical basis for Bharatanatyam.

Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India where Bharatanatyam originated in temples. The dance was historically performed by Devadasis as part of religious rituals.

Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used in Indian classical dances. In Bharatanatyam, each mudra conveys specific meanings and emotions during performance.

Nritta refers to the pure dance aspect focusing on rhythm and movement without narrative. Bharatanatyam incorporates intricate nritta sequences to showcase technical skill.

Abhinaya is the expressive component of Indian dance that conveys emotions and stories. Bharatanatyam employs abhinaya through facial expressions, gestures, and body language.

Tanjore (Thanjavur) is a city in Tamil Nadu renowned for its Bharatanatyam schools and cultural heritage. Many prominent dancers have trained at institutions based in Tanjore.

An arangetram is a dancer's debut solo recital marking the completion of formal training. In Bharatanatyam, it traditionally takes place after years of rigorous study.

Indian Art & Culture

Bharatanatyam

Major form of Indian classical dance

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Overview

Bharatanatyam is an Indian classical dance form that comes from Tamil Nadu, India. It is a classical dance form recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and expresses South Indian religious themes and spiritual ideas, particularly of Shaivism and in general of Hinduism.

Source: Wikipedia — Bharatanatyam (CC BY-SA)

Key concepts

How Bharatanatyam connects to the ideas, people and events around it.

Natya Shastra
derived from
The Natya Shastra is an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, dated between 200 BCE and 200 CE. It outlines the theory of dance, drama, and music, forming the theoretical basis for Bharatanatyam.
Rukmini Devi Arundale
revived by
Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904–1986) was a dancer and cultural activist who revived Bharatanatyam in the 20th century. She founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in 1936 to train dancers in the classical tradition.
Tamil Nadu
originated in
Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India where Bharatanatyam originated in temples. The dance was historically performed by Devadasis as part of religious rituals.
Mudra
uses
Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used in Indian classical dances. In Bharatanatyam, each mudra conveys specific meanings and emotions during performance.
Nritta
includes
Nritta refers to the pure dance aspect focusing on rhythm and movement without narrative. Bharatanatyam incorporates intricate nritta sequences to showcase technical skill.
Abhinaya
includes
Abhinaya is the expressive component of Indian dance that conveys emotions and stories. Bharatanatyam employs abhinaya through facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
Thanjavur
taught in
Tanjore (Thanjavur) is a city in Tamil Nadu renowned for its Bharatanatyam schools and cultural heritage. Many prominent dancers have trained at institutions based in Tanjore.
Arangetram
culminates in
An arangetram is a dancer's debut solo recital marking the completion of formal training. In Bharatanatyam, it traditionally takes place after years of rigorous study.

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What is Bharatanatyam?

What are the key concepts related to Bharatanatyam?

The main concepts connected to Bharatanatyam include Natya Shastra, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Tamil Nadu, Mudra, Nritta, Abhinaya, Thanjavur, Arangetram. Each is linked on the map above with its own summary.

Which exams cover Bharatanatyam?

Bharatanatyam is part of Indian Art & Culture, which appears in the syllabus of UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, SSC GD and 41 more exams.