Bharatnatyam, one of the oldest dance forms of India, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. It originated in the temples and courts of southern India and was nurtured under the Devadasi system, where women dedicated themselves to serving deities as dancers and musicians. The art form was passed down from generation to generation, with the devadasis and male gurus (nattuvanars) being the custodians of this ancient tradition.