Jatti Tayamma

🪔 About

Naatyasaraswati Jatti Tayamma (1857-1947) was a pioneering and highly respected figure in Indian classical dance, credited as the founder and foremost exponent of the Mysore style (Mysore shyli or bani) of Bharatanatyam. Born in 1857, she hailed from the Jatti community of wrestlers. Tayamma received comprehensive training in dance, music, and literature from esteemed gurus such as Subbarayappa, Kaveeshwara Giriyappa, Chandrashekara Shastri, and Basavappa Shastri. She also pursued Sanskrit education under Guru Sringeri M Subramanya Shastri and perfected her abhinaya under Kavishwara Giriyappa and Karibasappa Shastri, making her one of the most learned artists of her time. At the age of fifteen, she was appointed as an Asthana Vidushi (Palace dancer) in the Mysore court by King Chamaraja Wodeyar X. However, she resigned after a short period, preferring to perform at various religious and social events and dedicate herself to teaching. Jatti Tayamma actively danced for nearly 75 years, making significant contributions to Bharatanatyam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period often considered a "hibernation" for the art form. Her unique Mysore style of Bharatanatyam is characterized by its lyrical and expressive qualities, emphasizing *lasya* (feminine grace) over angular movements, and featuring a "flowery" execution. The Jatti Tayamma school excelled particularly in *abhinaya* (expressive interpretation), which she considered the soul of dance, and maintained an elaborate observance of the Poorvaranga Vidhi. Her rich repertoire included shlokas, asthapadis, padams, and javalis from works like Geeta Govinda, Amarushataka, Nithi Shataka, Mukunda Mala, alongside numerous Kannada compositions. She was also known for her abhinaya in Hindustani nautch, performing thumris and ghazals. Jatti Tayamma taught through the traditional Gurukula system, emphasizing both physical and mental strength, rigorous physical exercise, adavus, and classical music. She was inclusive in her teaching, accepting students from all social strata. In recognition of her profound contributions, Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan conferred upon her the title "Natya Saraswati" in 1945, after witnessing her performance at the age of 88. Her most renowned disciple, K. Venkatalakshamma, carried forward her legacy, becoming a doyenne of the Mysore style. Awards & Honours: Natya Saraswati (1945).