Musicians and Dancing Friezes in the Vijayanagara Temples of Rayalaseema

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Origin and brief history of Indian music and dance. 3. Music and dance in the Vijayanagara period. 4. Musicians in the Vijayanagara art of Rayalaseema. 5. Dance figures in the Vijayanagara art of Rayalaseema. 6. Costume, ornaments, coiffure and head gear of the musicians and dancers. 7. Conclusion. Index.

“Musicians and dancing friezes in the Vijayanagara temples of Rayalaseema" is a threshold to the concept of bhava, raga and thala the basis of Bharateeya music and dance. The book shows light on the origin and development of music and dance under the great patronage. In this book, to compare the music and dance during the Vijayanagara period, with the same arts that is reflected in the temple art of Rayalaseema. Dress, ornaments, costumes, musical instruments, the social life of the musicians and dancers which are delineated in the plastic art. Temples served not only as a centre of communication between man and god but also as a link between man and man. This book upholds the significant role of musicians and dancers in social life and also in the royal palaces of Vijayanagara period. The important musicians and dance sculptures study based on extensive field work through illustrations all have made the book the first of its kind.  (jacket)