This article tries to bring into the public domain the qualities required for a Natyacharya as described in the various dance texts. I tried to contributions of the Bharatanatyam Gurus from the later part of the 19th century, with the main focus on the legacy of the Tanjore Quartet and their descendants. I have also tried to present a few works of the Quartet and tried to trace their family tree. I have gathered the data by speaking to a few descendants of the Tanjore Quartet and the palm leaf manuscripts preserved by them in addition to the works of the Quartet available In the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Keywords: Natyacharya, Tanjore Quartet, Bharatanatyam, Nattuvanar, Bharatanatyacharays. mrudangam etc.