Fundamental of Ancient Indian Music and Dance

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

Page 69

Fundamentals of Ancient Indian Music and Dance
NYAYA
The movement of the body in dance for simulated protection against weapons and for the simulated discharge of weapons is called nyāya. Corresponding to the four styles (vrtti) called Bhārati, Sättvati, Arabhaļī and Kaišiki, nyāyas are fourfold, viz. Bhārata, Sättvata, Vārşaganya and Kaisika. Pravicāras are those excellent (prakrsța ) and varied (vicitra) movements and gaits meant for discharging weapons. The nyāyas are to be employed with cãris in discharging the weapons.
MANDALAS
Mandala is the name given to a particular combination of Cāris. Mandalas are divided into two kinds, bhauma (terrestrial) and ākāśika (aerial). There are ten mandalas under each class. Mandalas are employed in discharging weapons. In depicting fighi, aerial mandalas are important. It may be noted that as several cāris constitute a mandala, the omission or addition of some cāris does not mar it.
Earthly Mandalas A few instances are given below ; Bhramara
The right foot and the left foot are Janita and Spandita respectively. Then these two are respectively sakațāsya and Cāsagati. Again, the right and left feet are Bhramaru and spandita respectively Căsagata
In it, there will be cāsagati feet all through, and turning round in a circle at the end.
Aerial Mandala Krānta
In it, the right and the left feet are respectively Sūci and Apakrānta respectively. Then both the feet are Pārsvakrānta,