One of the four main Indian Classical dancing styles (others are Kathak, Kathakali, and Manipuri). It is a female dance solo, over 2,000 years old, performed by Hindu temple dancers, today practiced mainly in S India. It is characterized by great strength and austerity and its performances can last up to three hours. The dancer wears a richly decorated brocade blouse and silk sari and is accompanied by cymbals and singing.
It is based on Bharata Natya Shastra, a book written c. 200 BC–300 AD, on drama for the dance actor.