This textbook of Bharata Natyam is based on my lectures to students of dance in Baroda and Ahmedabad. It has given me great satisfaction to know that it has been of help to all those who study our ancient technique of Bharata Natyam. From many gurus through the years I have studied Bharata Natyam and formed what is now known as the Darpana style. To those gurus, I am deeply indebted. To Shri Nuthukumaran Pillai of Kattumannar Koil who was my fist guru and whose superb and strong adavus became part of me in my childhood and later in my academy, Darpana where he taught for many years. To my guru Shri Meenakshisundaram Pillai of Pandanallur who taught me with great love and care, the intricacies and finer points of the Pandanallur school and innumerable rare items. To his family, Shri Pandanallur Chokkalingam Pillai under whom I trained for many years, and Sri Kittappa Pillai who also taught at Darpana. To Shri Elappa Pillai of Kancheepuram who taught me the graceful aspects of Abhinaya and musical compositions. To Andalamma of Tanjavur for special study of the Kuravanjis. To many others from whom I learnt some old compositions that were almost extinct. From all of them, I learnt much and slowly felt my way into my own style.  For " Understanding Bharata Natyam," my thanks to Shri C. R. Acharyalu, guru of Kuchipidi, Darpana Academy, with whom for many year, I have been studying the ancient manuscripts of dance. My thanks to the dancers of Darpana for their help in posing for the photographs, for the sdavus and the hasta mudras and pada bhedas.