Alataka, Alātaka: 1 definition

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In Hinduism
1. Natyashastra
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Introduction:

Alataka means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

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In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

1a) Alātaka (अलातक).—One of the 32 aṅgahāras (major dance movement) mentioned in the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 4. The instructions for this alātaka-aṅgahāra is as follows, “assuming Svastika, Vyaṃsita [in it hands being Recita], Alātaka, Ūrdhvajānu, Nikuñcita, Ardhasūcī, Vikṣipta, Udvṛtta, Ākṣipta, Karihasta and Kaṭicchinna Karaṇas one after another.”.

An aṅgahāra represents a ‘major dance movement’ and consists of a sequence of karaṇas (minor dance movements). A karaṇa combines sthāna (standing position), cārī (foot and leg movement) and nṛttahasta (hands in dancing position).

1b) Alātaka (अलातक) is another name (synonym) for Alāta, one of the twenty maṇḍalas, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 12. The Alāta-maṇḍala is classified as a ākāśa, or “aerial”, of which there are ten in total. A maṇḍala is a combination of cārīs (“dance-steps”), which refers refers to the simultaneous movement of the feet (pāda), shanks (jaṅghā) and the hip (ūru). From these cārīs proceed dance as well as movements in general.

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

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Search found 2 books and stories containing Alataka, Alātaka; (plurals include: Alatakas, Alātakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Chapter IV - Description of the Class Dance (tāṇḍava)

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Jataka 544: Mahānāradakassapa-jātaka < [Volume 6]