Repositories of Performing Bodies and the Performance Archive
Devadasis in Tamil Nadu
Keywords:
Performance archive, Devadasi, Bharatnatyam, Religious reform, Twentieth centuryAbstract
The presence and gradual disappearance of devadasi women from the public sphere were the products of a reform movement embroiled in nationalist politics, negotiated by issues of gender, religion, and caste. The absence of devadasi women occurred simultaneously with the emergence of new identities like icai velalars in the political sphere, and new art forms like Bharatanatyam. To investigate the uniquely shifting position of women in the devadasi community in 20th century national politics, their history is analysed through the archives residing in their performance, their bodies, aesthetics, and memories. Such a study expands the ambit of understanding of the devadasi identity and brings their occupational experience as performers to the forefront.
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