Have you heard of the dance form 'Bharatnatyam'? Did you know that this dance form has a deep connection with the Marathas? Can you find out what this connection was?
Bharatanatyam, the famous classical dance form, has a significant connection with the Marathas through the Thanjavur Maratha rulers. Serfoji II, a Thanjavur Maratha ruler, was a great patron of the arts.
It was during his time that the early stages of Bharatanatyam took shape along with modern Carnatic music. The Thanjavur Marathas, starting with Ekoji (Shivaji's half-brother) who conquered Thanjavur in the late 17th century, created a syncretic culture rich in artistic innovation.
Many Thanjavur Maratha rulers were themselves poets and dramatists. Their patronage helped develop and preserve these classical art forms.
Explanation
The chapter explains that under Serfoji II of the Thanjavur Maratha dynasty, modern Carnatic music and the early stages of Bharatanatyam dance form took shape. The Thanjavur Marathas were great patrons of the arts, and many rulers were poets and dramatists themselves, contributing significantly to cultural developments in South India.
Solution Steps
Bharatanatyam is connected to the Marathas through the Thanjavur Maratha rulers.
Serfoji II was a great patron of arts during whose reign Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music developed.
Ekoji, Shivaji's half-brother, established the Thanjavur Maratha rule in the late 17th century.
Thanjavur Maratha rulers were poets and dramatists who helped preserve classical art forms.