The temple dancers or devadasis in the southern state of Tamil Nadu used to perform Bharatha Natyam as part of the religious rituals. Carnatic music songs are about gods and godesses, their lives and also the various moods of human beings. There are 7 basic notes called the Sapthaswaras, which in their various permutations and combinations give rise to 72 'ragas'. Also, compositions and improvisations play a major role here. A special number is called tarangam, where the dancer balances herself on the rim of a plate and sometimes, carries a pot of water on her head and executes steps to the beat of a drum.
Stories enacted usually show the triumph of good over evil.
Macro and micro movements of the face, eyebrows, eyeballs and cheek are minutely worked out and various emotions are registered in a flash. Men play female roles too. Hindustani classical music has traces of Persian and Arab influences. Kathak, a popular dance form of northern India, is performed to this music. Kathak means a story-teller.