Nataraja in South Indian Art

Contents: Preface. 1. Introductory. 2. The concept of Nataraja. 3. Nampiyantar Nampi's 'Koyil Tiruppanniyar Viruttam' on Siva-Nataraja. 4. Epigraphical bearing on Nataraja. 5. Nataraja in silpasastras. 6. The early phase of dancing divinities. 7. Nataraja in later medieval art: Cola-Hoysala. 8. Nataraja in later medieval Art: Vijayanagra-Nayaka. 9. Historical context and symbolism. Conclusion. Annexure. 10. Karanas of the Natyasastra of Bharata. Glossary. Bibliography. Index. List of Illustrations.

"The present book in about nine chapters unfolds the personality of Nataraja from a study of South Indian art, literature and epigraphy.  The author has paid a special attention to the sources in Tamil that stand neglected by art historians.  The core thesis is that Nataraja is not exclusively an epithet of Siva.  It is of a common genre." (jacket)