Bharatanatyam as a Medium of Social Change: Revisiting Gender and LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Through Dance

Author(s)	Ms. Sanjana Chakravarty, Mr. Shikhar Srivastava
Country	India
Abstract	Bharatanatyam, one of India’s most revered classical dance forms, has always been more than just an art—it has been a path to spiritual enlightenment, social empowerment, and cultural expression. Originating as Devadasiattam, it provided women with a sacred space for self-expression and societal respect in a deeply patriarchal society. This paper explores how Bharatanatyam, with its deep philosophical roots, can play a crucial role in addressing gender biases and fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity in modern times. By analyzing historical texts like the Natyashastra, the Kamasutra, and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, this study highlights how Indian traditions historically acknowledged and respected non-binary identities. It examines how Bharatanatyam, with its deep philosophical and aesthetic foundations, can serve as a medium to reintroduce these inclusive perspectives into modern discourse.
Keywords	Bharatanatyam,Spirituality, Gender Bias, LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Tritiya Prakriti, Natyashastra, Indian Classical Dance, Body Politics, Dance Activism
Field	Arts
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2025
Published On	2025-04-09
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.40965

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