By Dr. Rama V. Bennur
The legacy of the Tanjore Quartets (Chinniah, Ponniah, Sivanandam and Vadivelu — early 19th century) who were exponents of Dance and Music is immense and unmatched. They have laid a firm foundation for dance (apart from composing and creating many songs for dance), which later on came to be known as Bharatanatyam. ‘Angashuddha’, perfect adavus, dignity and beauty in every movement or posture, pristine purity and high-level marks the Tanjore style. Kittappa Pillai and Muthappa Pillai were among their disciples.
