Lakshmi Viswanathan has extensively researched the ethnic origins of the art of Bharatanatyam. She proves that the ancient Tamils practised dance as a way of life, with their unique style. The Southern region's dancing styles are acknowledged in the Natya sastra itself. Like many great art forms, Dravidian art has effectively assimilated subsequent Aryan influences and adapted to the rapidly shifting cultural history of the region to become what is now known as Bharatanatyam. The author explores the different intermingling influences from old Tamil poetry, temple carvings and inscriptions, scholarly writings, gazette publications, and more. Buy this eminently informative book here online.