Question

Have you heard of the dance form ‘Bharatnatyam’? Did you know that this dance form has a deep connection with the Marathas? Can you find out what this connection was?

Answer 1

Yes, I have heard of Bharatanatyam, one of the major classical dance forms of India. It has a historical connection with the Marathas of Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu. In the 18th century, the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur, especially King Serfoji II, supported and encouraged music, dance, and other arts.

The Tanjavur Quartet, four brothers who served in the Maratha court, played an important role in developing and organising Bharatanatyam. They composed many dance pieces and helped shape the modern Bharatanatyam repertoire. Thus, the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur made an important contribution to the preservation and development of Bharatanatyam.