Nattuvangam in Bharatanatyam

 

                                Nattuvangam 

Nattuvangam is an instrument used to play beats for the steps in Bharatnatyam. Nattuvanar is the person responsible for reciting the beats or songs.

The Nattuvanars had their origin from Chola empire in 19th century. In olden days devadasis performed this dance. When the Devadasi system got abolished, the dance form also got diminishing. Krishna Iyer was the key person in raising the social status of the dance form among the upper caste girls. They then showed liking for Bharatnatyam and it started becoming famous.

In earlier times men played nattuvangam and never danced. Rukmani Devi Arundale was the first female teacher and female Nattuvanar to change this tradition. She also taught men to dance.

The essential aspect of Bharatnatyam lies in the coordination between the Nattuvanar and Bharatnatyam dance. Nattuvangam plays more important role in Bharatnatyam.

The cymbals used by Nattuvanar are made of metal alloys and is used in light music world wide. These cymbals do the speaking and represent the steps or feet  of the dancer in Bharatnatyam. These cymbals are a bit heavier in this dance form. Kumbakonam is a famous area for manufacturing talams. Nattuvangam helps in maintaining a steady tempo and coordinating the dancer's steps.

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