Devadasis and Their Special Dance: How They Helped Bharatanatyam Grow
Bharatanatyam is a beautiful and traditional dance from India. A long time ago, special women called devadasis played an important role in keeping this dance alive. They performed Bharatanatyam as a way to show their love and devotion to God in temples. Their story is an important part of this dance’s history.
Who Were the Devadasis?
The word “devadasi” means “servant of God.” When they were young, these girls were chosen to dedicate their lives to dancing in temples. They learned music, dance, and special hand movements called mudras to tell stories. Their dance, known as sadir, was a way to pray and share stories from old Indian books like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The devadasis were talented artists and respected in society. They passed their dance skills from mother to daughter, keeping the tradition alive for many years.
How Devadasis Helped Bharatanatyam Grow
Bharatanatyam used to be called Sadir, and it was performed only in temples by devadasis. They danced in honor of gods like Lord Shiva (Nataraja) and Lord Vishnu. Their performances had two parts:
- Nritta – A pure dance using beautiful movements and fast footwork.
- Abhinaya – A storytelling dance using expressions and hand gestures.
The way we perform Bharatanatyam today still follows a pattern called Margam, which was created from the devadasis’ traditions. Famous dance pieces like Alarippu, Varnam, Padams, and Tillana were first performed by them.
What Happened to the Devadasis?
Many years ago, India was ruled by the British, who did not understand the devadasi tradition. They stopped supporting temple dancing, and people started thinking wrongly about devadasis. This made it hard for them to continue dancing. Over time, fewer devadasis remained, and Bharatanatyam almost disappeared.
How Bharatanatyam Was Saved
In the early 1900s, a dancer named Rukmini Devi Arundale worked hard to bring Bharatanatyam back. She changed it from a temple dance into a stage performance so that everyone could enjoy it. Another dancer, Balasaraswati, also helped keep the original spirit of Bharatanatyam alive. Thanks to them, Bharatanatyam is now famous all over the world.
Why Devadasis Are Important Today
Even though devadasis are no longer in temples, their dance and traditions are still alive in Bharatanatyam. Their way of telling stories, the dance moves, and their devotion all remain part of the dance today.
Many dancers and teachers now work to remember and respect the devadasis’ contribution. Without them, Bharatanatyam would not be what it is today!
Conclusion
Bharatanatyam has traveled from temples to big stages around the world. The devadasis, who were once its only performers, kept this dance alive for many centuries. Their grace, devotion, and talent continue to inspire dancers today, making Bharatanatyam not just a dance but a beautiful tradition filled with stories, emotions, and history.