Fundamental of Ancient Indian Music and Dance

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

Page 71

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.