In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

Karṇotkīlaka (कर्णोत्कीलक) refers to an “ear-top” and is classified as an ornament (ābharaṇa) for the ears (karṇa) to be worn by females, according to Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 23. Such ornaments for females should be used in cases of human females and celestial beings (gods and goddesses).

Ābharaṇa (‘ornaments’, eg., karṇotkīlaka) is a category of alaṃkāra, or “decorations”, which in turn is a category of nepathya, or “costumes and make-up”, the perfection of which forms the main concern of the Āhāryābhinaya, or “extraneous representation”, a critical component for a successful dramatic play.

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).

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: Vaisnava Agamas And Visnu Images

Karṇotkīlaka (कर्णोत्कीलक) refers to “ear-tops”, representing a type of ear-ornament (karṇabhūṣaṇa) for females, as defined in treatises such as the Pāñcarātra, Pādmasaṃhitā and Vaikhānasa-āgamas, extensively dealing with the technical features of temple art, iconography and architecture in Vaishnavism.—A number of ear-ornaments (Karṇabhūṣaṇa) are found in Indian sculptures. Bharata mentions two sets one for male and another for female. The ear-ornament for female are [viz., karṇotkīlaka (ear-tops)]

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Utkilaka, Karna.

Full-text: Karnabhushana.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Karnotkilaka, Karṇotkīlaka, Karna-utkilaka, Karṇa-utkīlaka; (plurals include: Karnotkilakas, Karṇotkīlakas, utkilakas, utkīlakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India (by Remadevi. O.)

2.2. Various other Ear Ornaments < [Chapter 3 - Ornaments]

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