The Science of Bharata Natyam, 2nd edition/Saroja Vaidyanathan. Delhi, Kanishka, 2000, 78 p., photo, Illus., $25. ISBN 81-7391-388-9.

            Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Adavu (footwork). 3. Hasta (hand gestures). 4. Bheda (classifications of movements). 5. Abhinaya (expression and mime). 6. Tala (Rhythm-beat). 7. Costume and jewellery. 8. Musical instruments. 9. Arangetram (Maiden performance). Appendices:1. A diagrammatic representation of the elements of Bharata Natyam. 2. Index and glossary of the terms used in Bharata Natyam.

            “The Science of Bharata Natyam is an authentic explanation of the origin of the art and its elements like Adavu (footwork),  hasta (hand gestures), bheda (movements of the head, the neck and the eyes), abhinaya (expressions, tala (rhythm), costume and jewellery, musical instruments used for Bharata Natyam and arangetram (maiden performance) with sketches, diagrams, tables and photographic illustrations. Also included in the volume are a diagrammatic representation of the elements of Bharata Natyam and a glossary of the terms used in this fine art.”     No. 18512