Sambodhi 1998 Vol 22

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 55

44
SALONI N JOSHI
SAMBODHI
Laudarāsa (Lakutarasa)
It is very popular in Gujarat and specially played in present times during Navarātrī festival Here there is no detailed description, how this lakutarāsa played It seems to be the same as what popularly known as Dāndıyā-rāsa But the author describes the sound of playing sticks and musical instruments (pataha, karadı, mrdanga) played with rāsa which filled the entire atmosphere with sound very similar to thunder clouds Nădaya (Nāțaka), Natta (Nstya) Natās started showing their skills according to rules mentioned in BharataNātyaśāstra with various abhinaya Then the dancers began showing their performance with the help of various Karana and nrtyavıdhı The pleasing sounds of their Katimekhalās gave joy and satisfaction to the audiences
Jallakrida (Varatrakhela), Rope dance
According to Abhayadevasūri ( in the commentary of Rājapraśniyasūtra) jalla means rope dancer', but he mentions that many commentators interpret jalla as 'one' who praises the King' Malayagin takes jalla in this sense, in the commentary on Aupapātikasūtra? Here in 'Candappahacarıya' the word jallis used for rope dancers While standing on the rope these jallas were exhibiting different types of skills, such as throwing the disk (cakra) in the sky and catching it, and doing the same thing with a ball They were moving the knives tied with thread which creates the impression of a circle of knives They were also dancing on the rope balancing themselves Description of this king of Jallakrīdā is very rarely found Mallakrīda
References to Mallakrīdā are found in many places in Sanskrit and Prakrita literature Here the poet mentions two types of Malla boxers (mutthi malla) and wrestlers (nijuddhamalla) They were showing their skills by fighting and deceiving each other
Velambaga-(Vidambaka Vidusaka)
Vidūsakas were performing special type of folk dance known as 'Perani' wearing mask, artificial teeth, nails and hair Through their various kinds of facial gestures they were entertaining the spectators 10