Fundamental of Ancient Indian Music and Dance

Author(s): Sureshchandra Benarji
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 66

Dance
57
DEŠi CĀRI Bhaumi Parāvíttatalā - the sole of the foot faces up at the back
and is stretched outwards. Ardhamandalikā-the two feet move outward rubbing the
ground and return with a circular movement to the original position slowly one after the other.
Akäsiki Vidyudbhrāntā --throwing up the foot in front and moving it
around above the forehead quickly, and
placing it on the ground. Hariņaplutā -- jumping up with foot bent and letting it fall
repeatedly.
STHĀNA
It means a static posture as distinguished from cāri which denotes a particular movement. There is one sthāna before the commencement of a cari and one after it. One starts a cārı from one posture, one stops at another.
A particular position of the motionless body is called sthāna. There are six sthānas for men, seven for women. These are standard sthānas. Besides there are 23 deśī (regional or local) sthānas. Again, there are nine sitting postures (upavis ļasthānakas ) and six reclining ones (suptasthānakas ). All together number 51 according to Śārnigadeva.
We give below a few typical examples under each class.
Postures for men Vaisakha--the two thighs are kept in the air above the ground
at a distance of three and a half spans from each. other and the feet are kept on the ground pointing obliquely outwards, also at the same distance from
each other. M-8