Dance was an integral part of the culture in India and Raja Ravi Varma would have been witness to several forms of Indian dance as he travelled throughout India. In his hometown, Kathakali was a vibrant form of Dance. Mohiniattam also was a part of the Malabar culture. Bharatanatyam, as is captured in this sketch, was an integral part of Tamil Culture. Raja Ravi Varma saw bharatanatyam dance performances by the famous Tanjore Dance Girls, Gowri and Kanthimathi of Baroda.