Tandava Laksanam: The Fundamentals of Ancient Hindu Dancing (A Translation into English of the Fourth Chapter of the Natya-Sastra)

Language: English
Pages: 202 (247 B/W Illustrations)












About the Book

 

Tandava Laksanam or The Fundamentals of Ancient Hindu Dancing being a translation into English of the fourth chapter of Natyasastra of Bharata, with a glossary of the technical dance terms compiled from the eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh chapters of the same work, illustrated with original photographs of the sculptured dance poses in the Great Temple of Siva Nataraja at Cidambaram, and containing special appendices of aesthetic and archaeological interest.

 

About the Author

 

Bijayeti Venkata Narayanaswami Naidu was Dean of Faculty of Art, Professor of Economics, Annamalai University Annamalainagar.

 

Pasupuleti Srinivasulu Naidu was lecturer in Philosophy, Annamali University Annamalainagar.

 

Venkata Rangayya Pantulu, Nellore was an ardent exponent of Bharatanatyam.

 

Preface

 

In introducing Tandava Laksanam to the 'lovers of all that is beautiful,' we wish to say a word about the origin and development of the idea that has led to the publication of the book. During a casual visit to the Creat Temple of Siva Nataraja at Cidambaram we were impressed with the wealth of unexplored archaeological material in the renowned fane. The sculptured dance poses attracted our attention. When we realised that these poses were intended by the builders of the massive Gopurams (gate-ways) to be systematic illustrations of the Karanas described in the Natya sastra of Bharata, we desired to give publicity to them.

 

An attempt to focus the attention of all lovers or art on the dance sculptures in the Temple appears to have been made by the authors of the Madras Epigraphica