Recreating temple dancers’ world in Puducherry

In his second documentary, ‘Bayadères Devadasi Wives of Shiva’, co-directed with French director Didier Bellocq, Mr. Manet explores the little-known world of temple dancers of Puducherry.

Paris-based artist Raghunath Manet. Photo: S.S. Kumar

“What is the identity of Puducherry today?” asks renowned Puducherry-born Paris-based artiste Raghunath Manet.

In his second documentary, ‘Bayadères Devadasi Wives of Shiva’, co-directed with French director Didier Bellocq, Mr. Manet explores the little-known world of temple dancers of Puducherry as he seeks some explanation for how Puducherry lost its temple dancers, and along with, a slice of its tradition.

The film has its origins from Mr. Manet’s doctoral thesis and book, “Les bayadères, danseuses sacrées du temple de Villenour’’.

When he wrote his book, the Sangeet Natak Akademi of Delhi was surprised to know about the records and archives he had accessed which chronicled the community, he says.

Even dance connoisseurs in Chennai city with whom Mr. Manet has performed were unaware of the rich traditions of temple dancers here.

Foreign travellers to Puducherry during the French rule had made elaborate records and lithographs about the community, which contributed to the ballet La Bayadère, which is the repertoire of world culture today, says Mr. Manet.

“Puducherians must feel proud of the fact that temple dancers of Puducherry contributed to the creation of contemporary dance. It is not just a French culture that we have but a significant traditional culture which was hidden away in temples and known among the old families here.”

The diaries of Ananda Ranga Pillai speak about the temple dancers and so do many archives in France which say that the most important programmes included the performances by the temple dancers.

While the Madras Devadasis (Prevention of Dedication) Act 1947 led to the decline of temple dancers in Madras Presidency, Puducherry was not affected as it was under French rule, says Mr. Manet.

The French had special laws which protected the interests of the dancers. In Puducherry, temple dancers continued to perform. Then how did their decline come about?

There were poets, musicians and social workers among temple dancers, says Mr. Manet. The documentary film was very well received at Cannes, where it had its premiere, says Mr. Manet.

It will be made in Tamil and English and shown in Puducherry in the coming months after screenings in Paris and Monaco, says Mr. Manet.

The French had special laws that protected the interests of the dancers.