The Legacy of the Thanjavur Parampara

This video speaks about the legacy of the Thanjavur parampara (tradition) of Bharatanatyam, its origins, its association with Lord Shiva and the temple rituals in Tamil Nadu and with the royal courts of the region. The video further covers the life of T P Kuppiah Pillai who is regarded as the first Natyacharya and shows how his son-in-law Govindaraj Pillai established the Sri Rajarajeswari Bharata Natya Kala Mandir in Mumbai. It then addresses the life of Guru Kalyansundaram, his teachings and his contribution to the development of Bharatanatyam. Various dance experts as well as his students recall his methods, his repute in introducing new creations in Bharatanatyam as well as his efforts in spreading the dance form in Mumbai and ensuring that this tradition survives even in the modern age.