________________
Fundamentals of Ancient Indian Music and Dance
beautiful rhythm and correct timing, seems to manifest the sound of songs and instruments, and fully evokes the Rasa.
Decoration of a dancer
Waving loose, black, glossy and abundant hair with flower-strings on it or, straight long braid of hair decorated with a string of pearls, forehead having curly locks, a beautyspot on the forehead with musk, sandal-paste etc., eyes with collyrium; ears with cylindrical ornaments, radiant teeth, cheeks with streaks of musk; pearl-necklace round the neck; large pearl-strings decorating the breasts; gem-studded golden bangles on the fore-arm, on fingers rings set with rubies, sapphires, diamonds etc.; body smeared with sandal-paste or saffron; garments of white silk etc.; a fine jacket or short petticoat with a tight bodice.
The teacher of dance
He should have the following qualifications :
Personality, sound knowledge of dancing, knowledge of the beginning and concluding songs and instrumental music, Graha', instrumental music, tradition, beauty of sounds, sthāyasa; cleverness in the tempos Druta etc. and in tālas; capacity for composing Vădyaprabandhas, originating new styles in Samgita; skill in the art of teaching, capacity for attracting people, knowledge of the merits and defects of dancing performances.
Dance-troupe (Sampradāya)
Troupes are of three kinds, viz. Kuțila (best) Madhyama (medium) and Kanistha (smallest). The Kuțila sampradāya is constituted as follows :
1 Mukharin (leader). 1 Pratimukharin (chief assistant).
1. Explained under Vocal music. 2. Ibid.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
