Image title: Figure 122. Nitamba Karana

The position of the right foot shows that the dancer is performing Baddha Cari. The hands are down in Pataka crossed at the wrist ready to do a Vyavartita movement. Siras is in Sama, Parsva is in Sama, Urah [uras] is Nirbhugna, Kati is raised on right side in Udvahita. Right Uru is in Valana, right Janu is in slight Unnata, right Jangha is in Avartita, right Pada is turned out and is slightly lifted on the toes. Left leg is slightly bent. Left Pada is Sama, left Jangha is Nata, left Janu is Ardhakuncita.

This can be identified as Karana no. 85 which is Nitamba according to whose description, “The hands with Pataka with fingers pointing downwards are brought up with Vyavartita and then lowered with Parivartita facing the body and then Nitamba gesture is done with Baddha Cari.” Such a movement has to be done continuously with both legs.

Gallery information:

Kumbakonam is considered as one of the holiest places in Tamil Nadu and is known for its temples and Mathas (monasteries which were centres of Brahmanical learning). These photographs depict the connection between the sculptures in the temples and Natya Shastra and related texts dealing with iconography.