Fundamental of Ancient Indian Music and Dance

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

Page 72

Dance
2 players of the percussion instrument called Avaja. 2 players of the percussion instrument called Addāvaja. 2 players of the percussion instrument called Karaļā. 32 players of the drum called Mardala.
cymbal players. 8 playing bell-metal cymbals. 2 playing the wind instrument called Kahala. 2 flutists. 2 main singers. 8 other singers. 2 main female singers, one of whom is a dancer. 8 other female singers.
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The troupe, having half the above strength, is madhyama; less than the latter is called Kanistha.
Closely following the Mukharin, his tempo (laya) making up the deficiencies, observing the timing (tāla )--these are the merits of a troupe, the lack of any of these merits constitutes a defect.
GAUNDALI Gaundali is the designation of a kind of female dancer. Hence the dance, performed by her, is also called Gaundali. This mode of dance is called Gaundali-paddhati as distinguished from Suddha-padihati. Gaundali is devoid of vigorous instrumental compositions and songs like Elā, accompanied by vocal Salagasīda compositions like Dhruva. The dancer dances with gentler movements of the limbs, using the Lāsyāngas. She herself sings, and plays on the Trivali instrument. Some reject this instrument as the wearing of the Trivalt on the shoulder is not decent for a girl. If this dancer does not sing, she is called Mükagaunduli.
Her dress is to be that of the region called Karņāļaka. This mode of dance is called deśrpaddhati,