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{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Melattur
| native_name = Unnathapuram
| native_name_lang =
| other_name = Achyutapuram
| nickname =
| settlement_type = town panchayat
| image_skyline =
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Tamil Nadu
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Tamil Nadu, India
| coordinates = {{coord|10.86|N|79.25|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Thanjavur district|Thanjavur]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 7815
| population_as_of = 2001
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = 
| postal_code = 614301
| registration_plate =
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
'''Melattur''' is a [[panchayat town]] in [[Thanjavur district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. It is located 18 kilometres from the town of [[Thanjavur]].<ref name="book1">{{cite book| title=Folklore, Public Sphere, and Civil Society| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xsrgg1Mel8UC&pg=PA197&sig=WCwTmJy9ADyTvK-itlQSyjEvyys| last=Muthukumaraswamy| first=M. D.| author2=Molly Kaushal| year=2004| pages=197–208| publisher=National Folklore Support Centre (India)| isbn=81-901481-4-1| url-status=live| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224091843/https://books.google.com/books?id=Xsrgg1Mel8UC&pg=PA197&sig=WCwTmJy9ADyTvK-itlQSyjEvyys| archivedate=24 February 2018}}</ref> It is the origin of the Melattur style of [[Bharatanatyam]] founded by Mangudi Dorairaja Iyer<ref name="mangudi">{{Cite web|url=http://sridevinrithyalaya.org/mangudi.html#style|title=Guru Mangudi Dorairaja Iyer (1900–1980)|accessdate=15 May 2008|publisher=sridevinrithyalaya.com|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819094829/http://sridevinrithyalaya.org/mangudi.html#style|archivedate=19 August 2009}}</ref> and a series of dance-drama performances called the ''Bhagavatha Mela''s.<ref name="melas1">{{cite news | last=R. Varadharajan | first=Vishnu | title=Drama in Melattur | date=19 May 2002 | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2002/05/19/stories/2002051900440500.htm | accessdate=15 May 2008 | location=Chennai, India | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505012035/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2002/05/19/stories/2002051900440500.htm | archivedate=5 May 2008 | work=[[The Hindu]] }}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{As of|2001}} India census,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archivedate=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|accessdate=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Melattur had a population of 7815. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Melattur has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 59%. In Melattur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

== History ==

Inscriptions at the largest Shiva temple in Melattur indicate that the village might have existed as early as the times of [[Vikrama Chola]] who lived in 12th century AD. Earlier known as Nritta Vinoda Valanadu, the village was rechristened as Unnathapuri in honor of Unnathapureswarar, the presiding deity of the temple and the form in which Lord Shiva was worshipped in Melattur.<ref name="narthaki">{{Cite web|url=http://www.narthaki.com/info/articles/art108.html|title=Melattur, a seat of Bhagavata Mela – an overview (Part I)|accessdate=15 May 2008|publisher=narthaki.com|year=2004|author=Melattur S Natarajan|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223164839/http://www.narthaki.com/info/articles/art108.html|archivedate=23 December 2007}}</ref>

When the [[Vijayanagar Empire]] fell at the [[Battle of Talikota]] in 1565, there were a prominent exodus of artistes and prominent Hindu citizens to the south. [[Thanjavur Nayaks#Achuthappa Nayak|Achyuthappa Nayak]] of Thanjavur, a vassal of the Vijayanagar kings granted the village of Unnathapuri near Thanjavur to 501 families of [[Kuchipudi]] dancers who were a part of the exodus.<ref name="book1" /><ref name="natarajan_interview">{{Cite web|url=http://www.narthaki.com/info/intervw/intrvw43.html|title=S Natarajan and the Melattur Bhagavatamela tradition|accessdate=15 May 2008|publisher=narthaki.com|year=2002|author=Melattur S Natarajan|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113010716/http://www.narthaki.com/info/intervw/intrvw43.html|archivedate=13 November 2007}}</ref> The village was subsequently renamed as Achyutapuram and eventually as Melattur with the passage of time. The [[Kuchipudi]] dancers preserved their ancestral tradition and gave regular performances. This eventually gave rise to the Bhagavatha Melas as well as the unique style of Bharatanatyam which evolved here.<ref name="narthaki" />

During the reign of the [[Thanjavur Marathas|Maratha]] king [[Tukkoji]], an exodus of people from Atthigiri ([[Kanchipuram]]) migrated south and settled in Melattur.<ref name="narthaki" /><ref name="melas2" /> They built the Varadaraja Perumal temple at the north-western corner of the ''[[Agraharam]]'' and introduced [[Vaishnavism]] in the village and surrounding areas.<ref name="narthaki" />

Virabhadra, the scholar who introduced ''thillana'' in the art of ''Bharatanatyam'' hailed from Melattur.<ref name="book1" />

== Bhagavatha Mela ==

The main tourist attraction of Melattur are the Bhagavatha Melas, a series of festivities that mark the festival of Narasimha Jayanthi or the birth of Lord Narasimha.<ref name="melas1" /><ref name="melas2">{{cite news | last=Ramani | first=Nandini | title=Blend of bhakti and aesthetics | date=31 May 2002 | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/05/31/stories/2002053100990400.htm | accessdate=15 May 2008 | location=Chennai, India | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411112544/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/05/31/stories/2002053100990400.htm | archivedate=11 April 2008 | work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref name="clifford_jones">{{cite book | title=Bhagavata Mela Natakam, a Traditional Dance-Drama Form| last=R. Jones| first=Clifford| year=1963| publisher=Association for Asian Studies}}</ref> The Bhagavatha Melas comprise dramas and dance performances.<ref name="bhagavatha_telugu">{{Cite web|url=http://dspace.vidyanidhi.org.in:8080/dspace/bitstream/2009/1233/4/314-1996-UOH-3.pdf|title=Ethnography of Bhagavatha Performances|accessdate=16 May 2008|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721180918/http://dspace.vidyanidhi.org.in:8080/dspace/bitstream/2009/1233/4/314-1996-UOH-3.pdf|archivedate=21 July 2011}}</ref> The dialogues and songs are mostly in [[Telugu language|Telugu]].<ref name="bhagavatha_telugu" />

The earliest recorded celebration of the Bhagavatha Mela was in the year 1888.<ref name="natarajan_interview" /> However, the mela has been held uninterruptedly only since 1938.<ref name="natarajan_interview" /> In earlier times, the Mela used to be held in the five nearby villages of Soolamangalam, [[Saliyamangalam]], Nallur, Oothukadu and Teperumanallur apart from Melattur.<ref name="melas1" /><ref name="melas2" /> But nowadays, the mela is held only in Melattur, Tepperumanallur and Saliyamangalam.<ref name="melas2" /><ref name="narthaki2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.narthaki.com/info/reviews/review55.html|title=THE LION ROARS IN MELATTUR|accessdate=15 May 2008|author=Lalitha Venkat|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915222149/http://www.narthaki.com/info/reviews/review55.html|archivedate=15 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/06/07/stories/2002060701190400.htm | location=Chennai, India | title=Drama in divine ambience | date=7 June 2002 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011105913/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/06/07/stories/2002060701190400.htm | archivedate=11 October 2008 | work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>

The mela is held for a week during which the dramas ''Kamsa Vadham'', ''Sathya Harischandra'', ''Hari Hara Leela Vilasam'' and ''Sita Kalyanam'' are enacted.<ref name="melas1" /><ref name="melas3">{{cite news | last=Ramani | first=Nandini | title=Tradition preserved with missionary zeal | date=7 May 2004 | url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/05/07/stories/2004050701960600.htm | accessdate=15 May 2008 | location=Chennai, India | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419123725/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/05/07/stories/2004050701960600.htm | archivedate=19 April 2008 | work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The drama ''Sathya Harischandra'' based on the story of [[Harishchandra]] is so replete with expression that it occasionally moves one to tears. The melas culminate with the drama ''Prahlada Charitram'' enacted on Narasimha Jayanthi.<ref name="melas1" /> The highlight of the drama is the climax scene in which the actor playing the part of Narasimha supposedly becomes possessed by the spirit of Narasimha and charges at [[Hiranyakashyap]] in murderous rage.<ref name="melas1" /><ref name="narthaki2" /> The actor in the role of Narasimha had to be restrained by bodyguards at the venue for this purpose.<ref name="melas1" /><ref name="narthaki2" />

== Bharatanatyam ==

A classical ''[[Bharatanatyam]]'' performance is an indispensable part of a Bhagavatha Mela.<ref name="clifford_jones" /> However, a unique style of ''Bharatanatyam'' is practised by the Melattur dancers. The distinct features of the Melattur style of ''Bharatanatyam'' are:<ref name="bharatanatyam_melattur">{{Cite web|url=http://in.geocities.com/indian_dance_bharatanatyam/video.html|title=Melattur Style Bharatanatyam Videos|accessdate=16 May 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223235905/http://in.geocities.com/indian_dance_bharatanatyam/video.html|archivedate=23 February 2009}}</ref>

# Natural (spontaneous) and highly expressive abhinaya{Tamil}
# Largest amplitude of movements, which requires a higher degree of flexibility
# Extensive use of kshepa (throw of limbs) and recaka.
# Emphasis on sringara bhakti{{Tamil}}
# Emphasis on crisp adavus, accuracy of jathis/ gathis{Tamil}
# Fluid variations of patterned korvais{Tamil}
# Dramatic elements (characterisation)
# Original methods of application of principles of "loka dharmi" and "natya dharmi"{Tamil}

== Other tourist attractions ==

The ''agraharam'' at Melattur is surrounded by a Ganapathy temple and a Draupadi temple apart from the Shiva temple and Perumal temple.<ref name="book1" /><ref name="Perumal_temple">[http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2013/01/melattur-varadaraja-perumal-temple.html A blogger's entry on Varadaraja Temple in Melattur] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222003610/http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2013/01/melattur-varadaraja-perumal-temple.html |date=22 December 2013 }}</ref> There is also a temple dedicated to Lord [[Ayyanar]] situated on the outskirts of the village.<ref name="book1" /> The vegetation comprises lush green paddy fields and coconut palms.<ref name="book1" />

The village of [[Thengudi Thittai]] has the Vasishteswarar Temple built by the Cholas is located a few kilometres from Melattur.<ref name="thittai_chennaionline">{{Cite web|url=http://chennaionline.com/hotelsandtours/Placesofworship/2005/09temple55.asp|title=Thengudi Thittai|accessdate=16 May 2008|publisher=chennaionline.com|year=2005|author=Sriraman|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413224246/http://www.chennaionline.com/hotelsandtours/Placesofworship/2005/09temple55.asp|archivedate=13 April 2008}}</ref> Thengudi Thittai is believed to be the mound which Lord Shiva mounted when the whole world was submerged in water during ''[[pralaya]]''.<ref name="thittai_chennaionline" /> Crowds swarm Thittai for the Guru Peyarchi festival.<ref name="sani_peyarchi">{{cite news |title=Special archanas at Thittai temple |date=21 July 2007 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/21/stories/2007072154920600.htm |location=India |accessdate=16 May 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417053107/http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/21/stories/2007072154920600.htm |archivedate=17 April 2008 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Thanjavur district}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Thanjavur district]]

Melattur, Tamil Nadu - Revision history

CaseyBroderick: Added new article basic info