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This paper argues that Bharatanatyam’s relationship to temple culture has not simply diminished over time, but has been actively reconfigured through reform, classical reconstruction, and heritage discourse. Originating in South Indian temple environments, Bharatanatyam was historically embedded in ritual, devotion, and sacred performance. Its later repositioning as a classical stage art under colonial and nationalist conditions did not sever these roots entirely; rather, it produced a framework in which temple associations were selectively retained, reinterpreted, and aestheticized. Drawing on textual and visual analysis, temple histories, interviews with dancers across different generations, and case studies of contemporary performances, this paper examines Bharatanatyam and temple culture as intertwined forms of tangible and intangible heritage. It asks what changes when dance is separated from its temple context, and what this reveals about continuity, loss, and reinterpretation in cultural heritage. The paper further considers the implications of this transformation for heritage studies, particularly the ways in which living traditions are framed, preserved, and authenticated in institutional contexts. By reading Bharatanatyam through the lens of sacred space and cultural continuity, the paper highlights the tension between loss and adaptation, showing how the dance form remains a bearer of religious memory while functioning as a modern cultural expression. The discussion also reflects on the politics of representation, since ideas of tradition, authenticity, and value are often shaped by institutions, audiences, and heritage narratives rather than by performance alone. In this sense, Bharatanatyam becomes a site where history, identity, and devotion are continuously negotiated. The paper ultimately contributes to broader debates on intangible heritage, religious aesthetics, and the politics of tradition in postcolonial South India.
Nota biográfica | Short Bio
I am a master’s student whose research interests include Bharatanatyam, South Indian temple heritage, and cultural heritage studies. My academic focus lies in the intersections of performance, devotion, and identity, with particular attention to how traditional art forms are transformed through historical change and contemporary cultural interpretation. I am especially interested in heritage theory, intangible cultural heritage, and the changing meanings of sacred traditions in modern contexts. My work explores how artistic practices preserve memory while also adapting to new social, cultural, and institutional settings. Through my research, I aim to examine the continuing relevance of religious and devotional traditions within present-day heritage discourse. I am particularly drawn to questions of authenticity, representation, and the relationship between living traditions and cultural preservation. My broader academic interest is in understanding how performance traditions can serve as both historical archives and active, evolving forms of cultural expression.
| Palavras-chave | Keywords | Bharatanatyam, Temple culture, Sacred space, Tangible and intangible heritage, Devotion |
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