Bharatanatyam dancer-scholar Indumati Raman’s new book turns the spotlight on Marathi Yakshaganams

In 2017, Bharatanatyam exponent and dance critic Indumati Raman published her first book Bhagavata Mela: My Tryst With Tradition. It focused on Bhagavata Mela, the temple dance-theatre tradition practised and performed by male Brahmins from Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. Her study of the subject also led her to explore the world of Marathi Yaksaganams in her book Dance-Theatre By Thanjavur Maratha Rajas (Motilal Banarsidass Publishing House).

“Thanjavur is a religious, linguistic and cultural centre since the time of the Cholas. The Maratha dynasty took over Thanjavur and reigned for two centuries after the Nayaks. This era, 1676-1855, shone with artistic radiance unmatched by any royal dynasty,” says Indumati, adding that despite their immense contribution to literature, music and dance, the history of the Thanjavur Marathas remains largely neglected in modern discourse. “The book aims to bring their sophisticated multi-lingual heritage back into the spotlight,” she says.