Bharat Natyam, the Indian Classical Dance from Tamil Nadu, has been one of the oldest and the richest classical dance of India. It's antiquity lies about 3000 years ago with a mythological as well as a historical origin. It was nurtured in the temples and courts of southern India since ancient times. Later it was codified and documented as a performing art in the 19th century by four brothers known as the Tanjore Quartet whose musical compositions for dance form the bulk of the Bharat Natyam repertoire even today.
As in any classical dance form, Bharat Natyam requires total dedication, vigorous practice and full concentration. A basic training of minimum 6 years is required to present a full recital on stage. It requires a mastery over the technique of movements to achieve grace, balance, suppleness, physical endurance and a faultless sense of rhythm.
Music
The music of the pre-Christian era, namely, the Sangam period is called Tamil music. This period ranges approximately between 300 BC and 3 AD.
Great musical works like Tolkappiam, Ettutogai, Patthupattu, etc provide a lot of information on ancient Tamil music, which is believed by some, as the mother of Carnatic music.
Tamil music is considered one of the most ancient music systems in the world. This is a very special system of music, characteristic and specific to the Tamil people. The historical references to the structure of music, musical instruments, method of singing, the circumstances under which the music developed, etc have been cited in very ancient texts that date back to as early as the 1st and 2nd century AD.
Paintings
The Tanjore paintings are notable for their adornment in the form of semi-precious stones, pearls, glass pieces and gold. The rich vibrant colors, dashes of gold, semi-precious stones and fine artistic work are characteristics of these paintings. They add beauty and culture to a variety of surroundings and décor. The paintings are mostly of Gods and Goddesses because this art of painting flourished at a time when fine-looking and striking temples were being constructed by rulers of several dynasties.
Architecture
Tamil Nadu is the land of temples and a living museum of styles that originated in the 7th century. The temples in Tamil Nadu (some dating to more than 1,700 years old) display intricate carving and sculptures, which bear testimony to the craftsmanship and creativity of the sculptors and artists of ancient India. Hindu architecture is vigorous while Muslim architecture is virtually non-existent.
Thousands of temples with lofty towers dot the skyline of the entire state of Tamil Nadu. The Tamils have been the greatest of temple builders. Temples from the pre Christian era as well as those from the 20th century exist in this state, where the ancient rulers have made outstanding contributions to the growth of these monuments of great artistic value.
Tamil Literature
Tamil literature is as old and as rich as Greek, Sanskrit and Chinese literatures. The post-Sangam period (200-600 AD) is notable for the composition of five great Tamil epics -- Silappadikaram, Manimekalai, Jivaka-cintamani, Valaiyapati and Kundalakesi. Silappadikaram is considered to be the brightest gem of early Tamil literature. It is an invaluable source book of ancient Tamil dance and classical music.
Festivals
Pongal- January - First day of the Tamil month - ' thai '
Pongal is the harvest festival of Tamilnadu. People extend their tribute to the Sun, Nature and the cattle wealth for helping them with a rich harvest and prosperity. The traditional preparation of 'Pongal' i e boiling rice with jaggery and milk, takes place at every home. The tourist offices will organise celebrations for the benefit of foreign and domestic tourists.
Dance Festival
December-February - Mahabalipuram
The Dance festival starts on the 25th of December of every year and is conducted on all Saturdays, Sundays and Government holidays, upto February first week. Dancers and musician of repute from India and abroad thrill the crowds every year. Folk dances of India are other added attractions.
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