Bharatha Natyam influence in Sri Lanka

Subashini Pathmanathan

Bharatha Natyam is a Tamil classical dance form based on Hindu philosophy, traditions and culture. Besides Bharatha Natyam is totally based on Tamil language, yet some items are in Telugu language too. Bharatha Natyam had its origins in India but this is the only classical dance form of Tamil community all over the world. Naturally there is a lot of impact which could be traced in the Sri Lankan temple sculptures and archeological sculptures in Bharatha Natyam.

Regrettably no research has been done in Sri Lanka related to this subject.

Bharatha Natyam is popular among many locals

Bharatha Natyam is the classical dance form of Tamils .Wherever Bharatha Natyam is practised, it is generally expected that it must adhere to its high quality and norms. Sri Lankan Tamil community preserves this art form with full dedication and devotion.

This particular art form is not only followed and prastised in India, but also preserved and practised by the Tamil community all over the world. Traditional dance forms must have certain norms and defined links with cultural, linguistic, regional and religious standards. These traditional dance forms generally have certain longstanding historical background and developments. In different periods almost every traditional cultural dance form is systematically divided into different steps, hand gestures, eye movements and neck movements.

Every traditional dance form has some deep meaning. Traditional dancers are vehemently confined to a limited framework. In archeology, there is a wealth of information available in connection with excavated sculptures in relation to Bharatha Natyam. In temple sculptures beautiful sculptures are carved into temple pillars. Bharatha Natyam was born in the temples. It is mainly based on ancient temple sculptures. Such influence could be found even in ancient temple sculptures of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan sculptures resemble Bharatha Natyam in temple sculptural poses, stances, foot positions and hand gestures. All these attractive sculptures are closely linked to practical and theoretical aspects of Bharatha Natyam.

When we analyze specimen with different periods under different kingdoms, the style and the structure of sculptures, components of the materials used for making the temple statues differ from one another. In Sri Lanka such research is needed and is useful. Collecting data, visiting numerous archeological sites and places are essential. Then only can one understand how much resource is available in Sri Lanka. The country is full of Hindu temples all over the island.

Though Bharatha Natyam is a Tamil classical dance form, it is popular among Sri Lankans. It is learned and performed by a considerable number of non-Tamil Sri Lankans. There is a great interest and enthusiasm among the present Sri Lankan population in general.

The present research on Sri Lankan temple sculpture and temple architecture would be a help and be useful for the future generation. The research on Bharatha Natyam is taken into account at different levels, angles and approaches. It would definitely impart considerable knowledge and understanding power.

Lord Nataraja statue

Sri Lankan Hindu temples have Siva and Vaishnava sculptures. Most temple towers are decorated with sculptures related to relevant stories of the Gods. Bharatha Natyam, in Sri Lanka, is widely connected to temple structures, general sculptures, rituals, poojas and temple arts. These cultures, structures and sculptures are totally connected to Sri Lankan Hindu culture. Such influential studies will bring benefit to the country.

Indian cultural and spiritual art forms influence could be seen in many parts of Sri Lanka, especially in the Northern and Eastern parts. Not only in the ancient temple sculptures, but it could also be seen in archeological buildings and ancient ruins.

Most Sri Lankan Hindu temple sculptures do not have many dancing figure sculptures of Lord Shiva’s 108 thandava Karana sculptures as in India. But a very few female dancing figures, musical instruments and some hand gestures could be seen. These sculptural hand gestures almost resemble the Bharatha Natyam hand gestures, but in the actual sense, a few hand gestures of the temple sculptures are used in practical Bharatha Natyam.

The Ananda thandava statue is the common statue which could be seen in many parts of the world. But the statue which is recovered from Polonnaruwa Sivan temple the Thiruvathiri shape (frame shape) is entirely different from the common Ananda thandava statue. Even the standing posture is also entirely different from the average Ananda thandava statue pose.

This particular statue belongs to the Chola era, but as compared to other Ananda thandava Chola statues, this particular statue is entirely different in shape and structure.

Sri Lankan temple architecture and idols are based on Indian influence, though they have their own identity. Whatever it is all temple sculptures influence the traditional Bharatha Natyam.

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