Bharatanatyam : An In-Depth Study/Saroja Vaidyanathan. New Delhi, Ganesa Natyalaya, 1996, viii, 192 p., 236 mudras, 67 Col. photographs,

    Contents: 1. Introduction: i. Shiva. ii. Origin and Shastra. iii. Devadasi. 2. Abhinaya - expression. 3. Angikabhinaya -- Physical presentation: i. Shareeraja. ii. Mukhaja. 4. Hasta -- Hand gestures: i. Samyuta. ii. Asamyuta. iii. Other concerned hand gestures. 5. Cheshtakrita -- movements of the body: i. Mandala. ii. Sthana. iii. Bhanga. iv. Utplavana. v. Bhramari. vi. Chari. vii. Gati. 6. Adavu (Footwork) -- fundamental dance units. 7. Karana -- Frozen image after the movements: i. Karana. ii. Angahara. iii. Rechaka. 8. Satvikabhinaya - emotional presentation: i. Satvika bhava. ii. Mukharaga and Varna. iii. Rasa and bhava. iv. Nayaka and Nayika Lakshana and Ashthanayika. v. Sahanayaka. vi. Sahanayika and Duti. 9. Aharyabhinaya -- decorative presentation: i. In general. ii. In Bharatanatyam. iii. The modern trends. 10. Vachikabhinaya -- vocal presentation: i. Geeta (Music). ii. Vadya (instruments). iii. Tala (Rhythm). 11. Guru-Shishya Lakshana: i. Attributes of teacher and disciple. ii. Arangetram (Maiden performance). Appendices: i. Glossary. ii. Bibliography.

    "This book "Bharatanatyam -- An In-depth Study" provides a comprehensive coverage of the excellent performing art which is a principal component of India's cultural heritage. While being lucid in its explanation of various aspects of the subject, it is authentic, supported by extensive quotations from the original classics like Bharta's Natya Shastra and Nandikeswara's Abhinaya Darpana. This volume would be useful to students of the art form, professionals and connoisseurs as well as a reference manual to the libraries and educational institutions like schools, colleges and universities." (jacket)

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