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passed deep and abiding ideals of Indian philosophy and aesthetics; in their dramatic expositions they became expressions of religious myths and legends, and abstract ideas. Though in traditional Indian culture dance permeated all facets of life, its most outstanding function has been to give symbolic expression to religious life with its rituals and ceremonies, gods and goddesses, and spiritual aspirations and ecstasies. The Indian gods too became dancers: in the dancing figures of Siva as Națarāja, 'the king of dancers', the universe became a manifestation of a cosmic dance; in the răs-līlā of Krsna, every person yearning for a spiritual union became a gopi, a milkmaid, churning the 'milk of existence for butter; Krsna is known as mākhan-chor - 'the butter thief'.
During the Buddhist period, from 500 B.C. to 600 A.D., and during the Classical Age, from 2nd century A.D. to the 8th century A.D., there are numerous examples of exquisite sculptures and frescoes depicting dancers in myriad ceremonies, myths and legends.
At the cave temples at Bharhut, 2nd century B.C., one sees many sculptures on the columns showing dancing figures. One column, in particular, is unique; it shows the legend of peacock dancing proudly his vainglorious dance which eventually lost him the hand of the Swan King's beautiful daughter.
In the state of Andhra Pradesh, at Amaravati, 3rd 4th century A.D., there are delicately executed dancing Apsaras, heavenly nymphs, performing gracefully in the Royal Court.
At Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves in the state of Orissa, first century B.C., both the friezes and bas-reliefs depict not only a series of dancers in graceful poses, but also men and women dancers making offerings to the Jain shrine. In Buddhist, Jain and Hindu sculptural art, dancing Apsarās often serve as embodiment of feminine beauty without any earthly encumbrances.
Siva, part of the Hindu Trinity, is possibly the most worshipped of gods on the Indian subcontinent. Siva is known as Nataraja, 'the lord of dance'; it is as Natarāja that Siva is most worshipped, and he is often thought to be the creator of dance as an art form. The images of Siva as Nataraja abound in Indian temples all across the country. The elaborate iconography of these images, and their symbolic significance have been extensively studied by many art historians.
The mythology of Siva is full of references to his different dances. There are many features that are characteristic of Natarājas: Ardhanāriśvara, Siva as half-man, half-woman; Kalärimurti, Siva dancing on the figure of death; Gajāsurasamnharamürti, Siva dancing on an elephant hide or head; Tripurantaka, Siva wielding the bow and sometimes shooting an arrow; Bhiksatana, emaciated fig
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