new form called Kathak became prevalent as an entertainment for the Courtiers and Nawab-s. But in the South of Vindhya mountains Bharata Natyam retained its original form. As time wore on, in the beginning of the 20th century, the encouragement to dance declined. The Devadasi-s started entertaining the rich merchants, landlords, and Zamindars, with the result dancers and dance were considered disreputable. 

The Dance Art which was an artistic treasure during the reigns of Chola-s, Pallava-s, Hoysala-s and Rashtrakuta-s fell to degradation. However it was preserved as a respected Art, in some families whose members practiced and performed dances regularly. We own a great debt of gratitude to these families for preserving this Art and putting up a bold front against the hostile society. In the 1930's the British Government tabooed the performance of Bharata Natyam in the temples as It had lost the sanctity and sacredness of worship, as it was considered cheap and vulgar.  Some cultured Art-mined people in 1930s seeing the pristine beauty of Dance started practicing Bharata Natyam.

Some others made it their life's ambition to restore to Bharata Natyam its high place in the art world. Finally when India attained its independence, dance, in general had a renaissance. During this renaissance period classical Indian dances became famous all over the world as our great heritage having excellence and pristine beauty.