Natya Sastra Overview
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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Adavu' specifically refer to in dance?

  • An emotional expression conveyed by dancers
  • A type of costume worn during performances
  • A basic step or dance unit characterized by rhythmic sequences (correct)
  • A dance sequence made up of complex movements

    • Which of the following is NOT a type of Abhinaya?

  • Sattvika Abhinayam
  • Angika Abhinayam
  • Vachika Abhinayam
  • Dasi Abhinayam (correct)

    • What is primarily conveyed through Angika Abhinayam?

  • Body and limb movements (correct)
  • Facial expressions
  • Costume and makeup
  • Verbal communication

    • How are Adavus typically practiced in dance training?

    <p>First on the right side and then on the left side</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Abhinaya, what does 'Sattvika' refer to?

    <p>Emotional expressions conveyed through movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do rhythmic syllables play in Adavus?

    <p>They provide a framework for the movements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best defines 'Nritta' in the context of dance?

    <p>Pure dance form devoid of story</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is NOT considered one of the Angas in dance?

    <p>Voice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the fourth Vritti, Kaisiki, in Natya?

    <p>It embodies graceful or delicate expression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sage was entrusted with vocal music in Natya?

    <p>Narada</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the play 'Asuraparajayam' about?

    <p>The defeat of the demons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who taught the Natya Sastra to Bharatamuni?

    <p>Brahma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of theater was initially troubled by demons during 'Asuraparajayam's production?

    <p>Open air theater</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which modes of expression were initially used by Bharatamuni for play production?

    <p>Bharati, Arabhati, and Satwati</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who created the twenty-four Apsaras for the Kaisiki Vritti?

    <p>Brahma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the names of the two plays presented at Kailasa by the divine troupe?

    <p>Amritamadhanam and Tripuradaha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not considered an Anga?

    <p>Janu</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the meaning of 'Griva' in the context of body parts?

    <p>Neck</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes Upaangas?

    <p>They refer to facial features.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is a Pratyanga?

    <p>Jangha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the meaning of 'Patākā' in Asamyutha Hastas?

    <p>Flag</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which classical dance form is traditionally associated with Devadasis in Hindu temples of South India?

    <p>Bharatanatyam</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary theme of the Kuchipudi dance-drama?

    <p>The life of Lord Krishna</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of an Asamyutha Hasta?

    <p>Ardha Pathaaka</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many Upaangas are listed in the content?

    <p>Seven</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which dance form is known for having three distinct gharanas?

    <p>Kathak</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which body part corresponds to 'Hanu'?

    <p>Jaw</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Odissi dance is a blend of which two traditional styles?

    <p>Gotipua and Maharis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ancient text mentions Odissi as Audramagadhi?

    <p>Natya Shastra</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of Bharatanatyam?

    <p>It emphasizes exclusive solo dancing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who played a significant role in systematizing Kuchipudi as a solo dance form?

    <p>Yati Narayana Tirtha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The dance form Kathak evolved primarily during which historical period?

    <p>The Bhakti movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'Ardha Chandra' translate to in English?

    <p>Half moon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the meaning of 'Mushti'?

    <p>Closed fist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes 'Swan’s wing'?

    <p>Hamsapaksha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'Chandra Kala' refer to?

    <p>Digit of the Moon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents the 'Lion’s face'?

    <p>Simha Mukha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'Padma Kosha' literally mean?

    <p>Lotus bud</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is described by the term 'Thamrachooda'?

    <p>Plum of cock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'Brahmara' refer to?

    <p>Bee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Creation of Natya

    • Brahma meditated on the four Vedas to create the Fifth Veda.
    • Pathya (speech) comes from Rigveda, Gana (music) from Samaveda, Abhinayam (expression) from Yajurveda, Rasa (emotion) from Atharvana Veda.
    • The outcome, Kridaniyakam, is known as Natya, which refers to staged plays based on historical and mythological stories.

    Natya Sastra

    • Contains regulations for writing and producing plays.
    • Provides guidance for playwrights and actors.
    • Taught by Brahma to Bharatamuni, who then educated his hundred disciples, known as Bharatas or Bharataputras.

    Modes of Expression

    • Three initial Vrittis (modes of expression) were Bharati (speech), Arabhati (virile), and Satwati (emotional).
    • Bharatamuni requested the creation of the fourth Vritti, Kaisiki (graceful expression), which Brahma fulfilled by creating 24 Apsaras.
    • Vocal music was entrusted to sage Narada and instrumental music to sage Swati.

    First Performance

    • The divine troupe’s initial play, Asuraparajayam (the defeat of demons), was interrupted by angry demons but later performed successfully in a closed theater.

    Presentation to Shiva

    • The troupe performed two plays for Lord Shiva: Amritamadhanam and Tripuradaha.

    Classical Dance Forms

    • Bharatanatyam: Originated from Tamil Nadu, previously known as Sadir, performed by Devadasis in Hindu temples. Dates back to the 2nd century B.C. It follows conventions outlined in Natya Shastram and Abhinaya Darpanam.

    • Kuchipudi: Developed in Andhra Pradesh by Siddhendra Yogi. Historical sources trace its origins to the 15th century. Primarily a dance-drama style, it gained popularity for Bhama Kalapam.

    • Kathak: North Indian dance form, derived its name from Kathakaars (storytellers). Evolved during the Bhakti movement and flourished in Mughal courts. Features three gharanas: Lucknow, Jaipur, and Benaras, focusing on the life of Krishna.

    • Odissi: Originating from Odisha, combines Mahari (devadasis) and Gotipua styles. Mentioned in the Natya Shastra. Used to be part of worship at Jagannath temples, emphasizing Bhakti Ras.

    Adavu

    • Fundamental rhythmic movements representing basic dance steps.
    • A dance unit consisting of coordinated movements of body parts, taught at the start of dance training.

    Abhinaya

    • Represents the act of conveying drama to an audience, divided into four types:
      • Angika: Body expressions.
      • Vachika: Speech expressions.
      • Aharya: Costume and makeup expressions.
      • Sattvika: Emotional expressions.

    Body Divisions in Dance

    • Angas: Major body parts including Siras (head), Hastas (hands), Vaksha (chest), among others.
    • Upangas: Minor parts, including Drishti (eyes), Bhru (eyebrow), and Nasika (nose).
    • Pratyangas: Additional body parts like Skanda (shoulder) and Janu (knee).

    Hastas (Hand Gestures)

    • Asamyutha Hastas: Single hand gestures, including Pataka (flag) and Mayura (peacock).
    • Samyutha Hastas: Double hand gestures like Anjali (salutation) and Shakti (power).

    These notes capture essential elements of Natya, classical dance forms, and key terminologies related to Indian dance.

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating creation of Natya, the fifth Veda that encompasses dramatic arts. Learn about its origins from the four Vedas and the structure outlined in the Natya Sastra, including guidance for playwrights and performers. Discover the modes of expression and the inaugural performance led by divine figures.

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