Temple dancer with musicians

This painting is of a temple dancer with musicians. Here, the dancer and the musicians are moving with hurried steps. Unlike today, dancers of those days did not perform on a stage but danced in a procession followed by musicians. The painting captures the dynamism of the actual practice in those days. Devadasi were temple dancers who ritually performed for the deities. From the headgear of the musicians, and their garments it could be noted that these are musicians and dancers of Tanjore’s Maratha court patronized by king Sarafoji (1798-1832) who popularised classical dance called sadir during his time.

See related items

Temple dancer with musicians

Dancer with musicians and an elderly lady

Dhobi, washerman and his wife

Potter and his wife