Padma Subramanyam, Bharata Natyam dance exponent and president of Association of Bharata Natyam Artists of India (ABHAI), has appealed to the Government to take steps to renovate the house of Thanjai Nalvar (Tanjore quartet) make it a heritage monument. The Tanjore quartet formulated the basics of Bharata Natyam and enriched the dance in Thanjavur.
Dilapidated condition
Ms. Subramanyam who visited the house of the Nalvar on West Main street at Thanjavur on Saturday expressed concern over the dilapidated condition of the house.
She said that the house should be protected. In foreign countries they preserve their rich heritage and the places where great people lived in their original form, she said. Thanjai Nalvar's house at Thanjavur is in a pathetic condition, she said.
The Tanjore Quartet, were Chinnayya (1802-1856), Ponnayya (1802-1864), Sivanandam (1808-1863) and Vadivelu (1810-1845).
They were Nattuvanars at the Royal court of Maratta King Serfoji II (1798-1832 A.D.) in the early nineteenth century.
Sivanandam moved to the court of Swathi Thirunal Maharaja of Kerala. He introduced the use of violin in classical dance.
They composed new music for Bharata Natyam.
K.P. Kittappa was the exponent of Thanjai Nalvar style of Bharata Natyam and he trained famous artists like Padmalochini Nagarajan, Sudharani Raghupathy, Vijayantimala, Hemamalini Jayalakshmi, Padmini Rao etc.
“Incidentally this year is the bi-centenary of Vadivelu. We must protect their house,” Ms. Subramanyam said.
Optimistic
When asked about the status of the dance in the present scenario, she said “I am very optimistic. A large number of youngsters are coming forward to learn the art. We must provide the right exposure to them. Media has a role to play in this.”
