India’s classical arts have always held a special place in the country’s cultural fabric. Among these art forms, Hindustani music and Bharatnatyam dance stand out as two of the most influential and cherished traditions. Hindustani music, with its roots in the northern regions, and Bharatnatyam, a classical dance from the south, both offer rich histories, deep meanings, and unique styles that have been passed down through generations. These art forms reflect India's diversity, spirituality, and creativity. In this article, we will explore the backgrounds, essential elements, and evolving relationship between Hindustani music and Bharatnatyam dance.
Understanding the Legacy of Hindustani Music
A Look into the History of Hindustani Music
Hindustani music is one of the two main classical music traditions in India, the other being Carnatic music. Its origins trace back to the Vedic period, when devotional songs and chants were a significant part of rituals. Over time, Hindustani music evolved, especially during the Mughal era, when influences from Persian and Afghan music blended into the traditional Indian styles. This unique fusion gave rise to the distinct form of music we now know as Hindustani classical music.
By the 12th century, Hindustani music began to establish itself with styles such as Dhrupad, one of the oldest vocal traditions, becoming popular in royal courts. Later, the more flexible and expressive form of singing, Khayal, gained prominence. This evolution reflects how Hindustani music has always been open to change while maintaining its core principles.
The Core of Hindustani Music: Ragas and Talas
Hindustani music is built on two essential components: ragas and taalas. A raga is a pattern of notes used to create melodies, while a taal is a rhythmic cycle that defines the beats and tempo of the music. These elements allow for a wide range of improvisation, making each performance unique. This openness to improvisation is a key feature of Hindustani music, as it encourages musicians to explore different moods and emotions within the structure of a raga.
Instruments play a vital role in Hindustani music. Some of the most well-known instruments include the sitar, tabla, and harmonium. The sitar, with its plucked strings, the rhythmic beats of the tabla, and the harmonium's melodic tunes, are commonly heard in classical performances. Together, these elements create the mesmerizing sounds that define Hindustani music.
Bharatnatyam: The Timeless Classical Dance of India
Historical Roots of Bharatnatyam
Bharatnatyam is one of India’s oldest and most revered classical dance forms, with origins in the temples of Tamil Nadu. In its early days, devadasis (temple dancers) performed Bharatnatyam as a form of devotion to the gods. These performances were a key part of temple rituals, telling stories from Hindu mythology through dance.
However, during British rule in India, Bharatnatyam faced a decline as colonial attitudes towards Indian traditions shifted. Despite this, the dance was revived in the early 20th century by pioneers such as Rukmini Devi Arundale, who transformed Bharatnatyam into a respected art form performed on the stage rather than just in temples. Her work helped shape the Bharatnatyam that we see today—a dance form that is deeply respected both in India and around the world.
The Elements That Make Bharatnatyam Unique
Bharatnatyam is known for its combination of Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (dramatic storytelling). In Nritta, dancers perform intricate footwork and precise movements, showcasing the technical side of the dance. Nritya, on the other hand, focuses on expressing emotions through abhinaya (facial expressions) and mudras (hand gestures). These elements bring the stories and characters to life, making Bharatnatyam a deeply expressive and visual art form.
Costumes and stage presence are also critical to Bharatnatyam performances. Dancers wear traditional saris, usually in vibrant colors, and are adorned with jewelry and makeup that emphasize their expressions. Music, typically in the Carnatic style, accompanies the dancers, adding depth and emotion to the performance.
Bringing Hindustani Music and Bharatnatyam Together
The Role of Music in Bharatnatyam
Although Bharatnatyam traditionally uses Carnatic music (the classical music form from southern India), many dancers have started to incorporate Hindustani music into their performances. Music is an essential part of Bharatnatyam, providing the rhythm and melody that guide the dancer's movements. Instruments such as the mridangam, flute, and veena are typically used in Bharatnatyam performances. However, when Hindustani music is incorporated, instruments like the tabla and sitar add a different flavor to the performance.
Hindustani music’s more fluid and improvisational nature can bring new dimensions to Bharatnatyam. The combination of the dance’s structured movements and the music’s free-flowing melodies creates an exciting and dynamic performance. Both art forms complement each other, with the music influencing the tempo and mood of the dance, and the dance enhancing the emotional impact of the music.
Ragas and Talas in Bharatnatyam Performances
Similar to Hindustani music, Bharatnatyam relies on ragas (melodic patterns) and taalas (rhythmic cycles) to set the tone and pace of the performance. The dancers follow the taal with their footwork and movements, often accompanied by rhythmic syllables known as jatis. These jatis are chanted aloud, guiding the dancer as they perform complex steps in sync with the rhythm.
In some modern performances, Hindustani ragas like Yaman or Bhairav are used to evoke specific emotions, adding a new layer of depth to the dance. The interplay between the dancer and the music allows for creative expression, with both art forms enhancing each other to create a captivating experience.
Modern Innovations: Fusion of Hindustani Music and Bharatnatyam
Exploring New Frontiers with Fusion Performances
As classical arts continue to evolve, many artists today experiment with fusion performances, blending Bharatnatyam with Hindustani music. This fusion brings together the rhythmic grace of Bharatnatyam with the melodic beauty of Hindustani music, offering fresh and innovative experiences for audiences. Dancers like Malavika Sarukkai and musicians such as Shubha Mudgal have collaborated to create such performances, showcasing the rich possibilities when these two traditions come together.
This modern approach not only attracts new audiences but also keeps the art forms relevant in today’s rapidly changing cultural landscape. By mixing classical styles with contemporary interpretations, artists push the boundaries of tradition while honoring the roots of these ancient practices.
Preserving Tradition Amidst Innovation
While fusion performances are gaining popularity, many institutions and artists are committed to preserving the purity of both Hindustani music and Bharatnatyam. Schools like Kalakshetra in Chennai and the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata continue to teach these art forms in their traditional styles. This ensures that the next generation of artists learns the fundamentals before exploring modern interpretations.
The relationship between a guru (teacher) and shishya (student) is also crucial in maintaining the integrity of these art forms. Through this deep bond, the wisdom and techniques of classical arts are passed down, allowing both Hindustani music and Bharatnatyam to thrive while remaining true to their origins.
Celebrating the Masters of Hindustani Music and Bharatnatyam
Icons of Hindustani Music
Hindustani music has been shaped by several legendary musicians who have taken the art to new heights. Pandit Ravi Shankar, a master of the sitar, brought Indian classical music to the global stage through his collaborations with Western artists like George Harrison. Other notable figures include Ustad Bismillah Khan, who popularized the shehnai, and Kishori Amonkar, a celebrated vocalist known for her mastery of the Khayal genre.
Renowned Bharatnatyam Dancers
Bharatnatyam, too, has been graced by iconic dancers. Padma Subrahmanyam is renowned for her scholarly work on the karanas (ancient dance movements), which has greatly influenced the way Bharatnatyam is performed today. Yamini Krishnamurthy and Alarmel Valli are also legendary dancers who have taken Bharatnatyam to international stages, combining tradition with innovation to captivate audiences.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Harmony and Art
Hindustani music and Bharatnatyam dance are two pillars of India’s classical arts, each carrying a rich legacy that spans centuries. While they originated in different parts of India, their interaction and fusion in modern performances have brought new energy to both traditions. Whether experienced separately or together, these art forms continue to inspire and captivate audiences, preserving the essence of India’s cultural heritage while embracing new creative possibilities. As these traditions evolve, they remain a powerful reminder of the depth and beauty of Indian classical arts.