Both are nritta items where the dancer mesmerizes herself to the beauty of the raga. This is followed by alarippu and jathishwaram. This is either pushpanjali (offering flowers to the Lord Nataraja), mallari (taking the deity obeisance and singing praises of a particular deity). In the present day form of most Indian classical dance forms a recital consists of a maximum of 5-8 segments. In Andhra Pradesh the fiery kuchipudi and the intricate odissi of Orissa and even Kathak formed by the confluence of Indian and middle eastern styles are nothing but the derivatives of the principles of Natya described in Natyashastra. In Kerala, the theatrical kathakali and graceful mohiniattam found a large audience. Though these components are essential for any dance in this world the name is synonymous with the Dravidian version Sadhir. In Tamil Nadu evolved bharatanatyam a mixture of bhava (expression), raga (musical note), thala (musical beat) and thus the name bha-ra-tha-natyam was formed. Different styles evolved in different states of India. Slowly Indian art forms started to regain their importance during the bhakti period. Today most dance schools in India follow the principles of dance described in Abhinaya Dharpana. In Abhinaya Dharpana, Abhinaya is expression along with mudra. Swara was the musical syllable which was part of the composition itself where it had a raga.
Telugu folk dance series#
Jathi was a series of musical syllables used to differentiate two parts of composition. In Abhinaya Dharpana, Natty was the dance where Nritta was pure dance. Nritta composed of both bhava (expression) and Jathi (pure dance). In Natyashastra, Nritta was dance and Natty was a drama. This also brings us to the juncture where nritta and natya are defined differently in both books. In Natyashastra, dance was a component of theatre while in Abhinaya Dharpana dance by itself was a form of theatre. The manuscript reflected on how Sadhir would have been many years ago and what Natyashastra would have dealt with. Abhinaya means dance and expression, Dharpana means mirror. Many years later a few scholars and masters of Sadhir who were familiar with the past existence of Natyashastra compiled the new principles of dance named Abhinaya Dharpana. During the medieval period due to various invasions, many temples were destroyed thereby destroying the economical conditions of the devadasis because of which Sadhir slowly lost its significance and influence in society. The name Sadhir was modified into Dasi Attam which was performed into temples during rituals and festival days. By this time natty (drama) bifurcated into nadanam (play) and nritta (pure dance). The devadasis or temple dancers were the only people who knew and had learnt the art form.
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Padma Subramanium who later got the first Ph.D degree in Bharathanatyam and music for her thesis.īy the 11th and 12th century the manuscript of Natyashastra got lost in the lanes of history. The Karana chapter of Natyashastra was researched by Dr. Karanas are a series of dance postures and movements used to depict someone or something using every limb of the body without the use of hand mudras (positions) that depict the direct meaning thereby providing a layered quality to the recital. The 108 karanas sculpted and preserved in various temples in India bear testimony to the fact that Sadhir was also considered a spiritual art form. Sadhir evolved and flourished in the ancient period of Indian History. It is also the only manuscript after the Sama vedam to deal with music as its component.ĭance was all but a small part of Sanskrit theatre and was known as Sadhir. Natyashastra deals with the different aspects of Sanskrit theatre such as music, dance, dialogue, costume, makeup, stage décor and orchestra and so on. Natyashastra is also called Natyaveda or the Veda of theatrical art forms.
![telugu folk dance telugu folk dance](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a2/74/aa/a274aae116232305833bea1b3eb14039.jpg)
![telugu folk dance telugu folk dance](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2BN47G9/young-indian-male-and-female-dancers-performing-regionalfolk-dance-in-colorful-dresses-2BN47G9.jpg)
Thus Natyashastra set the principle of drama. Natya means drama and shastra means principle.
![telugu folk dance telugu folk dance](https://www.natyasutraonline.com/uploads/freeclass/share_img/rajasthani-folk-dance.jpg)
Theatre in India dates back to the Vedic period (4000-5000 years ago), when sage Bharatha wrote the manuscript Natyashastra based on the type of theatre that was relished by people of his time.