Based on Bharata's Natyashastra, all Indian classical dance
forms have a common source and are said to be offshoots of an underlying Marga. This common Marga style in
music, dance and drama initially coexisted with several regional styles.
However, with the passage of time, the Marga-Desi connection was slowly
forgotten.
Due to numerous invasions and political instability, in
India suffered from lack of patronage. During the British rule, further
deterioration in political, economic and sociological conditions led to the
decline in the status of temple dancers which paved the way for the anti-nautch
movement. This also led to an inevitable revivalistic counter-movement in
Indian arts. During this phase, the revivalists rebranded and repackaged
various regional styles and breathed new life into the Desis of the past. This,
in a nutshell, is the story of our contemporary classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi,
Mohiniattam etc.
Desis vary in their technique, style and content due to the
regional influences that have shaped them over many centuries. These
geographical, political, economical, sociological and religious
influences have ultimately created highly specialized and diverse art forms.
From this perspective, it is quite impossible to say which
Desi is superior or more beautiful. Both Bharatanatyam and Kathak have had
their own evolutionary journeys and have their own distinct character. While
each has at its core, its own artistic framework, both are still evolving and
transforming in the ever expanding classical canvas.
Ultimately the onus is on both the artist and the audience to
learn to appreciate each dance for its own beauty.
dance
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