சோழர் கால தேவதாசி மரபும் ஆடற்கலை வளர்ச்சியும்

The Devadasi Tradition and the Development of Dance Art during the Chola Period

Abstract

The Chola period (9th–13th centuries CE) is regarded as a golden age in Tamil history, marked by remarkable achievements in politics, economy, religion, and the arts. During this era, temples functioned not merely as centers of worship but also as institutional hubs for education, culture, and artistic production. Within this vibrant cultural milieu, the devadasi tradition emerged as a crucial foundation for the development of dance art. Known as Devaradiyars, devadasis were sacred female performers closely associated with temples and ritual practices. This study examines the role of the devadasi tradition during the Chola period in fostering the systematic growth of dance, music, abhinaya (expressive techniques), and rhythm. Adopting a historical and cultural approach, the research draws upon primary sources such as temple inscriptions, sculptural representations, and literary references from major Chola centers including the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur, the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. These sources reveal the extent of royal patronage extended to devadasis, including land grants, remuneration, and elevated social status, which enabled the sustained transmission of artistic knowledge. The study further explores how temple festivals and ritual performances served as vital platforms for the dissemination of dance traditions within society. The preservation and transmission of karanas, angaharas, and codified modes of abhinaya across generations underscore the continuity between the devadasi tradition and the structural foundations of contemporary Bharatanatyam. Although the devadasi system faced moral and social criticism in later periods due to changing political and social contexts, its artistic contributions remain undeniable. By moving beyond reductive moral interpretations, this research re-evaluates the devadasi tradition as a dynamic and indispensable force in the historical evolution of Tamil dance culture.