Caste dynamics in classical dance: History vs. Narratives | Aranyani Bhargav | TEDxDTU

Summary

This talk delves into the inextricable link between caste and classical Indian dance, highlighting the historical role of the devadasi community. It discusses the transformation of the dance form under British colonial influence and the subsequent 'sanitization' by Indian nationalists, leading to its reassignment from lower to upper castes. The speaker critiques the erasure of the devadasi's significant contributions and the misrepresentation of the dance's origins, while also acknowledging the dance's enduring challenge to the caste system through its narratives.

Takeaways

• 😔 Cast is an inescapable reality in India, affecting even the classical dance forms.
• 💃 The origins of classical dance are traced back to the Isai Vellala community, a lower caste group of talented artists.
• 🙏 The term 'Devadasi' translates to 'servants of God', who were highly respected and educated women performing in temples.
• 🌟 At their peak, Devadasis had significant independence, including the ability to receive land grants and sexual freedom.
• 👎 The British colonial perspective on the Devadasis' sexual freedom was one of discomfort and opposition, viewing it as unrestrained.
• 📚 Nationalists, largely from the upper castes, responded to British allegations by sanitizing the dance form, focusing on devotion and spirituality.
• 🔄 The dance form was gradually taken from the Devadasi community and given to girls from 'good families', often from Brahmin families.
• 🚫 The shift in control of the dance form overlooked the potential negative impacts on the displaced community and their cultural heritage.
• 📖 The history of the dance form has been reimagined in some educational materials, omitting the significant role of the Devadasis.
• 🎭 Despite changes, the narratives within the dance form continue to challenge the caste system, as seen in performances about lower caste devotees of Shiva.
• 🎵 The script concludes with a performance that poetically questions the visibility and acceptance of lower caste devotees in religious spaces.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed in the speaker's talk?

The main theme discussed in the talk is the inescapable presence of caste in India, particularly in the context of classical dance, and how it has been shaped by historical and colonial influences.

Who were the Isai Vellala community and what was their role in classical dance?

The Isai Vellala community was a lower caste group of talented artists to which the Devadasis belonged. They were the origin of classical dance and performed in temples, offering their dance form as a service.

What does the term 'Devadasi' mean and what was their role in society?

The term 'Devadasi' translates to 'servant of God'. Devadasis were considered servants of the gods, performing dance forms in temples and offering other services. They were educated, respected, and had a significant degree of independence and sexual freedom.

How did the British colonial perspective influence the perception of the Devadasis?

The British, with their Victorian ideals of femininity and sexuality, found the Devadasis' freedom and sexual identity deeply uncomfortable. They labeled the Devadasi system as barbaric and sexually unrestrained.

What was the response of Indian nationalists to the British criticism of the Devadasi system?

Indian nationalists, largely from the upper castes, sanitized the dance form in response to British criticism. They changed the narratives of the dance form to focus more on devotion and less on sensuality and sexuality.

How did the classical dance form transition from the Devadasi community to 'girls of good families'?

The dance form was deliberately taken from the Devadasi community and given to girls from Brahmin families, as part of an effort to save the dance form from possible extinction and to counter British criticism.

What are the consequences of the shift in the ownership of the classical dance form?

The shift resulted in a lack of acknowledgment of the consequences of displacing the Devadasi community and an overlooking of the need to rehabilitate the community that was significantly affected.

How has the history of the classical dance form been reimagined over time?

The history has been reimagined to connect the dance form to an upper caste origin and to Sanskrit, creating false connections and mythical origins, thus erasing the significant role of the Devadasis.

What narratives within the dance form continue to challenge the caste system?

Narratives such as the story of Nandanar, a low caste devotee of Shiva, and other performances that question the visibility and accessibility of the divine to lower caste devotees, continue to challenge the caste system.

How does the speaker describe the current state of the classical dance form's history?

The speaker describes the history of the classical dance form as distorted, with an inaccurate explanation of its origins and a tendency to forget the Devadasis' contribution to the dance form's history.

What is the significance of the performance presented by the speaker?

The performance is significant as it showcases a lower caste devotee of Shiva questioning the divine's partial revelation and the barriers faced by lower caste individuals in accessing the sanctum sanctorum of temples, thus challenging the caste system.