Life and Contributions- Natayakala Chakravarthy (With Notaions)

Bharatanatyam is the Kohinoor diamond among the performing arts and has been in existence from time immemorial. It was actually the part and parcel of temple rituals and without the service of Bharatanatyam, no temple ritual was complete. Later this great art entered into the courts of kings and zamindars. Further it extended its wings in the proscenium stage, besides having a considerable part in any auspicious social functions. Its considered that the Lord himself had created this art and He himself was the first dancer in this universe. At least from the 14th century, this dance form was mentioned and identified only as Bharatanatyam, quite contrast to the belief of some present day dancers and researchers. They claim that this term was newly coined by this or that individual in the early 20th century, which is nothing but absurd. We find the usage of the term 'Bharatanatya in literature belonging to 14th century. Even some prominent dancers like Pudukottai Ammalu who lived in the last quarter of the 19th and the early 20th centuries have in their diaries and Will have mentioned that they were Bharatanatya dancers. ‘Sadir’ was the term commonly used to denote this dance form, after its entry into the royal courts, though the term 'Sadir’ literally means 'beauty', as we learn from Saint Arunagirinatha's Tiruppugazh and some Pasurams of Alwars. Until recent times, this noble and magnificent art was the sole preserve of Devadasis, a community of women, who were dedicated to the service of God through this art. Only in the 1930s, these legators bequeathed this wonderful art to their sisters of other communities, the legatees. These were coached and trained by Natyacharyas, who were experts in the art. Not only in this art, they excelled in vocal music, mrudangam playing and also in many languages. Today those, who boast themselves as Nattuvanars' are, strictly speaking, only Tattuvanars' In this mileu, there came up a host of real natyacharyas (I would prefer to call them only as such, since they are not merely Nattuvanars). Almost in each and every village of Tamilnadu, there were such Natyacharyas, who were training Devadasis of the same place. They were, in every sense of the term, really great. This tribe was ever increasing. They were also attached to the concerned temple or court. The names of such great stalwarts may be enumerated but it may require some volumes. In the recent times, to my knowledge, that is, among those whom I know very well, three Natyacharyas may be cited as highly talented and very creative, of course, conforming to the tradition Pandanainallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai, the legend, (whom we used to address as ‘Tatta’), Tanjavur Kittappa Pillai and Karaikal Dandayudhapani Pillai were paramount.

Dance is the physical rhythmic movement. Before language, speech, and writing came into existence, people expressed their feelings through movements, it was a natural outburst of emotions. Not only human beings even animals expressed their feelings through movements. As times changed and as people became more civilized the savage dance or the movements as a result of natural outbursts became systematized. It was codified and was practiced as a social pastime. Early reference to dance and music is devoid of any link with religious activities Dance had only entertainment value. Slowly it was made a medium of worship when temples were built in the Tamiz soil. Dance is an art which developed as a result of devotion to God. Not only in India but many ancient civilizations speak of dance as means of wonhip.

The system of Indian dance and music are the oldest upon the Universe they are the most systematized and developed forms. All Indian art forms are temple arts, not only because of their spiritual nature, but because they grew and developed in the temple premises. When dance was performed outside the temples that is, when it came from temples to theatres and secular places, it did not lose its spirituality. Dance has a definite purpose. It educates the illiterate persons and enlightens the literates. Dance helps a person to develop his personality. It creates an awareness of well-being. It shapes the mind and makes a person intellectual. It gives happiness to all who view it and makes them forget their worries. The greatness of dance is described well in simple and beautiful language by Dandayudapani Pillai in the song ‘ulagam puganum nATTiya kalayai, uyirAi matittE vAzntiduvOm NilayAi ataAI azagum vaLarum cilai mEni kuRayAta valimai perum pArppavar manatil kavalaikaL iruntal paRantodum mArAta inbam tarum. Not only does the art of dance give spiritual and intellectual well-being, but also promotes physical fitness. Dance was originally a ritualistic art performed in the temples by a particular sect of women called the Devadasis (literally meaning servants of God). This art later attained a secular nature when it was performed outside the temples. Today, the dance once called 'sadir came to be known as Bharathanatyam.

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