Level 4 Kuchipudi

Bhadrachala Ramadasu

- Got his name because constructed temple for Lord Rama in Bhadrachalam - Composed various keerthanas for Rama - Ramadasu visited the temple of Rama in Parnasala , where Potanna received darshan to write Bhagavatham but was disappointed. - He decided to raise funds and reconstruct the temple. He was dismissed and arrested after the construction of the temple for misutilisation of the revenue. - Kept in Golkonda fort jail and tortured there. - He implored Lord Rama and wrote Dasarathi Shatakamu, 108 poems dedicated to Lord Rama. - After 11-12 years of imprisonment , Lord Rama and Lakshmana disguised themselves and gave 6 lakh gold coins imprinted with Lord Rama's seal in exchange of 6 lakh silver coins spent. - - Ramadasu was freed from the jail but inconsolable for not seeing the lord . Lord Rama appears in his dream , gives real reason and promises him salvation at the end of Ramadasu's life. - popularly created Ramadasu keerthana - Mudra : Dasarathi karunapayonidhi

Annamacharya

- Great devotee of Lord Venkateshwara, Write keerthanas praising Lord and sing them in a melodious tone, Always chant God's name - Age of 16 got Lord Venkateshwara darshan and from then onwards writes & sings songs on the Lord. - Once he went to Tirupati without informing the family but with his shoes on. He slept on his way and Goddess Alamelamanga gave him darshan and asked him to climb barefooted as the mountain was made of Shaligram stone. He woke up and wrote 100 stanzas praising lord Venkateshwara. He then climbed barefooted ,taking bath in Pushakarini , and visited Lord Venkateshwara. - He visited pilgrimages and with the prayers of Annamacharya, once the gates of the temple opened on his own for Annamacharya to finish his pooja. - In Tirumala , he became a disciple of The Guru asked him to go back home with his mother , where he got married. He wrote many keerthanas as a householder. - He became famous and king Salua Narasimha invited Annamacharya. Annamacharya was put in jail as he refused to write / sing a song in praise of the king. His chains were loosened by itself when Annamacharya sang the song in praise of the Lord. King Narasimha apologized to Annamacharya and they became friends. - Annamacharya has written 32000 keerthanas in praise of the Lord in Telugu and Sanskrit Mudra: Tiruvenkata

Natyadharmi

- Meaning beyond what is said in the text - Metaphors, imaginations, different means to brighten the expression - Presentation as exactly stated in shastra - shows meaning with use of music and dance

Lokadharmi

- Very natural without any exaggerations - Showing incidents in real life - Abhinaya according to nature of the character - No scope for melodrama or metaphoric representations - Language used will be based on nature of the character and - so is appearance and behavior - root for any drama

Kshetrayya

- became a great scholar - composed and traveled to different kshetras in Andhra and Tamil Nadu and got the name as Kshetrayya - Greatest contributions are his Padams, beautiful lyrics and moving tunes. - padam describes the longing of the lord - composed 1400 padams of which 1100 padams in 4 days - greatest devotee of gopala (presiding diety in village) - his mudra appears in any section of padam opposed to the usual form where it appears in the last section - popular compositions: Ramarama(Bhairavi) ,Gaddari (Kalyani) Mudra: Muvva Gopala, Muvva Gopalaswami

Munipalle Subrahmanya Kavi

- composed Ramayana Keerthanalu - retold Ramayana as a conversation between Lord Shiva and goddess Parvathi , where Parvathi asks questions and Shiva replies with narration . - The opening piece is Paean (praise of triumph) to Shiva - 104 Kreetana in 6 kandas - Overtime,he has become a forgotten composer. His lyrics are confined to temples and home . Not featured in any kacheris because of word heave, long sentence filled charanam. Mudra : Seshasaila

Kartaka

- crab - Fingers of the hands are interlocked Usages : Beeswax, massaging of limbs , yawning,awakening from sleep, a big body , supporting the chin and holding a conch-shell to blow it

Swastika

- crossed - Two Arala hands upturned and held together at the wrists. Used by women Usage : Will indicate directions, clouds, the sky ,forest, seas, season , the earth and extensive things

Mohiniattam

- dance of enchantress Mohini, believed to be performed by Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini while killing Bhasmasura - dance of kerala mostly performed by women - has many literature references between 10th-18th centuries - aramandali: half sitting position - Movement of torso , hands and limbs curve gives dance a distinct quality - Use serpentine gait and languorous dips and swaying of body - Each movement unfolds from the center of the body as it traverse to the periphery - inspired by martial art form and subtle eye movements - opening is to Lord Ganesha - has padams - final dance is Jeeva or the intensification of dancer's spiritual experience - has complex tala structure - gold bordered costumes and ornaments, anklet bells orchestra: percussion, mridangam, vocalist, veena, flutists

Avahitta

- dissimulation - Two Sukatundi hands meet each other on the breast , bent and then slowly lowered Usage : to greet gods , guru and friends

Kapota

- dove - Two anjali hands meeting on one of their sides Usage : Indicate approach with inimical attitude, bowing and talking to a venerable person, cold and fear , women to hold this hand on their breasts

Utsanga

- embrace - When the Arala hands are contrarily placed and are held upturned and bent Usage : indicate the feeling of touch

Puspaputha

- flower-casket - Two Sarpasirah hands with their fingers close to one another meeting on one side very closely Usage : Receiving or carrying of rice, fruits ,flowers, water and various foods

Chhau

- from East India: West Bengal and Puralia district - incoporates movements of martial arts and combative training - derived from Sanskrit work Chayya meaning masks, shadow, or image, and Chauni meaning military camp - 3 types of the dance form based on where it orginated - wear masks and headgear to portray battle and war in performances - Mainly portray Ramayana and Mahabaratha - was endorsed by royal families , rich landlords, and British governors - dance put up during Gajan festival , in honor of Lord Shiva, Sun festival and during weddings. - Performed on the floor as opposed to an elevated stage ,with the audience sitting in the circle or semicircle around them to watch. - Dance enrollment starts at a young age Musicians play a key role in the recital with percussion instrument and Indian clarinets - Costumes : Male wear bright color dhotis with a matching kurta on top. Extremely heavy jewelry over the kurta, Elimination of masks has encouraged female dancers of other styles to learn Chhau. Female dance wore colorful sarees - Chhau was tribal , folk or a semi classical dance a decade ago but now it is one of the respectable classical dance forms.

Kathakali

- from South India specifically Kerela - The refusal of sending his Krishnattam troupe to Travancore, enraged the Raja of Kottarakkara, he was inspired to compose the Ramanattam. - temple sculptures in Kerela depict square and rectangular postions of dancers - also inspired by early martial arts in kerela - mix of dance , music and acting that dramatize stories that are adapted by Indian epics. - has 4 aspects of abhinaya- angika,aharya,vachika,satvika and the nritta,nritya and natya aspects are combined perfectly - The dancer expresses himself through codified hastamudras and facial expressions, closely following the verses - visual art where aharya,costume and make-up are suited to the characters - characters are grouped in types like Pacha... - The face of the artist is painted over to appear as though a mask is worn. The lips , the eyelashes and the eyebrows are made to look prominent. A mixture of rice paste and lime is applied to make the chutti on the face which highlights the facial make-up. - characters are divided into satvika, rajasika and tamasika - Satvika characters are noble,heroic, generous and refined. - In Pacha, green color dominates and kirita is worn by all - Krishna and Rama wear special crowns decorated with peacock feathers - Rajasika category are anti heroes . - They are great warriors and scholars such as Ravana - the dance costume gives a superhuman effect. - makeup classified into teppu ,chuttikuthu and uduthukettu. -Teppu is makeup by the artist himself - chuttikuthu where makeup is done by experts -The wearing of huge bellowing skirts is uduthukettu. - A simple stage is used. A large oil fed lamp is placed in front of the stage and 2 ppl hold the curtain (tiraseela) on the stage with main dancers standing behind it before the performance. - The entire body from facial muscles to fingers, eyes , hands and wrists are used in this dance form. The movement of eyebrows, the eye-balls and the lower eyelids as described in the Natya shastra are not used to such an extent in any other dance style.The weight on the body is in the outer edges of the feet which are slightly bent and curved. - has pure dance sequences (kalasam) where dancer displays their skills with leaps, turns, jumps - begins with keilkootu when drums and cymbals are played, a pure nritta piece comes afterwards, and tiranokku comes afterwards where all characters other than the noble characters make their debut - follows tradition sangeet of Kerela and uses carnatic ragas and has an orchestra comprising of various stuff - For the most part of the performance the dancers engage themselves in chodiattam which means acting in strict conformity to the words in the padams sung by the accompanying musicians.

Sattriya

- introduced by Vaishnava faith in Assam - preserved with great commitment by the Sattras hence got the name Sattriya Incorporated by several folk dances: - ojapali: not only sing and dance but also explain narrations by gestures and stylized movements - Devadasi - Good number of rhythmic syllables , dance postures along with foot work are inherited from this form - Bihu - hand gestures and some rhythmic syllables - Bodos - hand gestures and some rhythmic syllable laid down principles: hastamudras, music, footwork, aharya 2 separate Streams - Bhoana starting from gayan - Independent Dance Numbers - Chali: gracefullness and elegance - Jhumura: vigor and majestic beauty costume: silk saree orchestra: drum, flute, violin, conch shell 2 categories of this dance Paurashik Bhangi - masculine style Stri Bhangi - feminine style

Kataka-Vardhana

- link of increase - When one kataka mukha hand is placed in the wrist of another kataka mukha hand Usage : movements connected with lover making and in bowing

Anjali

- salutation - Putting together of the two pataka hands Usage : to greet gods, venerable person ( guru) and friends

Dola

- swing - Two shoulders are at ease in a Karana and 2 pataka hands are hanging down Usage: Indicate hurry, sadness, fainting, fit of intoxication, excitement, state of illness and wound by a weapon

Nisada

- when the left hand in mukula is covered in the right hand kapitha Usage : indicate patience, intoxication, pride, elegance, eagerness, valor, arrogance, steadiness

Unit 6 Overview: Dharmi and Good Dance

Dharmi has a meaning called Dharma - Method or process of abhinaya A good rupaka is a mixture of both dharmis in correct and required proportions. A director should judge the situation and apply the required amount of abhinaya. 2 types Lokadharmi - Realism Natyadharmi - Idealism

Balarama Avatara

Elder brother of Krishna. Bal means power so Balarama possesses immense power. Shown by : right and left hand assume Pataka and Mushti hasta respectively, then the hands assume Sikhara hasta denoting the act of ploughing one hand in Mushti hasta and other in Sikhara hasta as if holding the plough gracefully.

Varaha Avatara

Form of Boar. Lord kills the demon Hiranyaksha and saves Bhoomidevi. Shown by : Holding Mrigashirsha hasta near the mouth with the left hand and later placing alapadma hasta over it with the right hand

Matsya Avatara

Form of a big fish; Vishnu took the form of the fish, entered the sea and brought back the vedas which were snatched by asuras and hid underneath the sea. Shown by : Tripataka Hastas depicted as Vishnu Two pataka hasta are placed one over the other with extended thumbs to depict Matsya Avatara

Narasimha Avatara

Form of half man and half beast. Form of a lion headed man proves how the little boy Prahalad was a true devotee. Shown by : Simhamukha hasta is held with the left hand and Tripataka hasta with the right hand.

Kurma Avatara

Form of turtle. The story of churning of ocean where Vishnu in form of turtle stops the mountain from sinking while churning the ocean for amirtham ( drink of immortality) Shown by : using the end of fingers of chakra hasta which are bent except the thump and the little finger

Ashta Vida Nayikas Meaning

In Indian dancing , a dancer is a devotee separated from her beloved (GOD) . She expresses all kinds of emotions of a woman who yearns for a lover . eternal Nayika. 3 types Svaikya or Shiya ( own) Parakiya or Anya ( another) Samanya ( any -one's) - They can categorized 8 ways based on different states or moods and hence called Ashtavida Nayikas

Krishna Avatara

Krishna as a name to describe a person with black skin. Depicted by playing a flute. Main purpose : provide the mankind with a manual of life (Bhagavad Gita) Shown by : both hands in Mrigashirsha hasta held near the right cheek denoting the flute.

Kalki Avatara

Lord Vishnu will come to the end the present age of darkness and destruction known as Kali yuga. Amalgam of horse's head and a man's body . Shown by : right hand in Pataka hasta and left hand in tripataka hasta.

Rama Avatara

Lord takes birth as son of Dhasharataha and Kaushalya in Ayodhya. Leads the life with strict adherence to satya (truth) and Dharma despite hardship and personal travails. Shown by : Shikhara hasta in the left hand raised to the head level to show his Bow. Right hand in kapitta hasta is held at the thigh level to denote holding of an arrow.

Dasavatara Hastas

Matsya Kurma Varaha Narasimha Vamana Parashurama Rama Balarama Krishna Kalki

VassakaSajaka

One who is preparing for her lover's reception. Her activities: Dresses pleasingly , decorates the room for her lover, keep looking out for her lover, plays with her friends who teases her

Parshurama Avatara

Parashu means an axe, Rama with an axe. This avatara is to relieve the earth's burden by exterminating the sinful, destructive and irreligious monarchs that plundered their resources, and neglected their duties as kings. Shown by : Right hand help in Ardhapataka. This hand is raised up to show the axe. Left hand is kept at the hips.

Parakeeya

Perform adultery in secrecy Kanya: Unmarried girl staying with parents , clever and go for outing with her friends & behaves innocent with her lover Parodha: married , do all duties , satisfies her husband but interested in other men Woman who is another's wife Ex: Woman in Javali ( my husband calls me , may I go my beloved)

Types of Nayakas

Sveeya - Mugdha - Madhya - Pragalbha Parakeeya - Kanya - Parodha Samanya

Gajadanta

Two Sarpasirah hands, touching the opposite arms between the shoulder and the elbow Usage : carrying of bridegroom and bride , excessive weight , clasping a pillar , uprooting a hill or a stone

Vardhamana

Two hamsapaksha hands held together at the wrists Usage : grasping ,receiving , preserving, convention truthfulness and abridgement.

Makara

Two pataka hands with their thumbs raised and turned down and place on each other Usage : indicate Lion , tiger , crocodile , shark ,fish and other carnivorous animals

3 further classifications of nayikas

Uttama : always balance and good however her lover behaves Madhyama : retaliates the same way as her lover Adhama: Shows anger , jealousy and indignation

Samanaya

Very proficient in manipulating , luring everyone with her beauty , good is music and dance & shows her lover for sake of money. Also called Ganika Courtesan , well verse in the arts, very bold and seeking to better herself by lover's attachment

Vamana Avatara

Vishnu comes as a form of a dwarf priest to restore Indra's authority over the heavens, which was taken away by king Bali who is later liberated. Shown by : holding left hand in mushti hasta at shoulder level ( to show the umbrella) and right hand also in mushti at the level of the thigh, where the inner side of the palm facing down

Abhisarika

Woman who is bold. Goes out in search of her lover. She is smart , daring and takes pride for her features Her activities: Anxious and feel harassed according to the situation Divabhisarika : Goes in the daytime . ears any clothes and pretends to go draw water or attend some festival Jyotsnabhisarika: goes in the moonlight. Wears white clothes, white flower scented with camphor Tamobhisarika: goes in the darkness of night , ears black , blue and red clothes. Blue lotus flower scented with kasturi

Kalahantarita

Woman who is separated from her lover due to quarrel or jealousy, been very angry or impatient and now deeply regrets it Her activities: abused her lover and then filled with remorse. Deeply sorrowful and lamenting her willfulness, Gives up wearing ornaments

VirahothKantitha

Woman whose lover didn't turn up because of another engagement. Her activities: Shows distress, temples , exhausted, shed tear and show anxiety to her friends

SvadinaBhartruka

Woman whose lover is captivated & devoted to her Her Activities: Worships god of love, lover is always by her side and acting as per her will her face radiant with joy , physically beautiful and superior

Sveeya

don't desert Nayaka . Very loyal to him in all circumstances (wealth or Poverty , Happiness or sorrow). - for example Sita to Rama Mugdha : Shy , balances state of mind, very silent and quietly weeping , Innocent, will not give any suggestion to Nayaka, gentle in anger and silent when offended - Gnata Yavana- With knowledge - Agnata Yavana - Without knowledge Madhya : Flush of youth , shy, amorous feelings and encourage Nayaka, partly experienced , desire and shyness in equal , intoxicated by her lover - Laghu : Light indignation by seeing other women. Remediated by speaking good words - Madhya : Intermediate indignation by hearing about another woman. Remediated by proof (pramana) and Oath ( Shapatha) - Guru: Heavy indignation by seeing marks of love . Remediation by salutation to feet ( pada pramana). 3 characteristics - Dhira : Sarcastic words and indirect comments - Dhiradhira: rebukes tearfully - Adhira: Scolds harshly Pragalbha : Fully matured and having skills in amorous sports with her husband - Dhira : Constant. Show no disrespect in anger - Dhiradhira : Alternates between constancy and prudence. She uses sarcasm & vex her lover - Adhira: full feelings by shaming him and hurting him in anger

Samyutha Hastas

two handed gestures; 13 per Natya Sastra

Khandita

woman who is angry with her lover for his infidelity. Angry at her who is faithless. Her activities: Breathes heavily , fearful, sorrowful and speaks words of abuse, Gives up wearing ornaments

Vipralabdha

woman who is deceived and disappointed that her lover doesn't keep his appointment Her activities: disappointed , fearful, sorrowful , sighs and faints,Gives up wearing ornaments

Prosithabhartruka

woman who is missing her lover and sad about temporary separation, gives up wearing ornaments Her activities: Sleepless, emaciated, inactive, count the days for her husband's return