BHARATA NATYAM

The ancient temples were centres of religion ,science and various artistic expressions.They were built by the kings as an expression of devotion to religion and art.As we all know, Bharatanatyam one of the oldest form was nurtured in the temples and courts of South India since ancient times.The art was handed down as a living traditiion from generation to generation by the Devadasi system, under which women were dedicated to temples ,to serve the deity as dancers and musicians forming part of the elaborate rituals.The Devadasies were trained by highly talented artistic male gurus{Nattuvanars} who were the sole repository of the art until the 19th century.