Bharatnatyam is one of the oldest form of the Indian classical dance. The word "Bharatnatyam" is composed of four words, Bha, Ra, Ta and Natyam. "Bha" means Bhava or emotional projection, "Ra" means Raga or melody, "Ta" means Tala or rhythm and "Natyam" means the art of dance. This dance technique was originally performed by the Devadasis or temple dancers in the temples of South India, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In this dance, there is a dancer, who represents various characters in the story and the theme on the music. The themes of the Bharatnatyam dance are lyrical, and there is also great scope for the drama. The rhythmic patterns of this dance are beautiful and accompanied by the corresponding beats on the Mridangam, a long drum which tapers at both ends. The principal singer is also the director of the dancers.