India is known for the rich and elaborate classical dances. The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and stories enriched the art and culture. Bharatanatyam’s history is credited to the Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu.

CHOLA DYNASTY

The Chola kings left a lasting legacy to Indian classical arts. They ruled along the valley of the Kaveri river. King Raja Raja Cholan built the Brihadeeswara Temple in the 11th century where dancers performed and. In the Brihadeeswara temple, you can find verses from the Natyasastra and sculptures of Shiva performing the karanas. Forms of artistic activity centered around the temples and grew.

VIJAYANAGAR DYNASTY

The Vijayanagar kings provided a lot of patronage to dance. King Krishna Deva Raya (16th century) is said to have been a great supporter.

NAYAKA KINGDOM (16th to 18th century)

King Raghunatha Nayaka (poet and composer) is said to have encouraged dance and music. The king also wrote Valmiki Charitra with information about the dance and talam system. King Vijayaraghava Nayak composed Yakshaganas.

MARATHA DYNASTY (18th century)

The Maratha rulers had the strongest links to present day Bharatanatyam. King Tulajaji wrote Sangeetha Saramithra with a list of adavus (simple leg movements). Famous musicians from this era include Thyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar. Natwanars also were significant members at the king’s courts.

The famous Thanjavur brothers, Chinnaiya, Ponnaiya, Vadivelu, and Shivanandan, lived during this era. These brothers compositions' are still performed today.

BRITISH ERA

The British government tabooed dance performances in temples and dancers lost their glory.

REVIVAL (early to mid 20th century)

Art lovers like Rukmini Devi Arundel and E. Krishna Iyer, worked to remove the stigma from dance and restore it. Dr. Muthu Lakshmi helped abolish the devadasi system. In 1932, Sadir was renamed to Bharatanatyam.