Kolapadma, Kola-padma: 1 definition

Introduction:

Kolapadma 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.

In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (natya)

Kolapadma (कोलपद्म) refers to one of the twenty-two Asaṃyuktahastas or “single hand gestures” (in Indian Dramas), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—The hasta-mudrās (lit. “hand-gestures”) are very essential to denote some particular action or state in dancing and these mudrās are formed with the help of hands and fingers.—In kolapadma-hasta, starting from the little finger in the hand other fingers are separately spread. But this hand is portrayed as alapadma-hasta in the Abhinayadarpaṇa. In the Nāṭyaśāstra also it is known as alapadma. In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, it is said that to say no, to denote void and non existence, this hand posture is used. In the Nāṭyaśāstra, this posture is suggestive of indicating prevention, sense of the sentences like “of whom are you” and “it is not”. Moreover, in case of a women’s reference of herself, this hand gesture is used.

Natyashastra book cover
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).

Discover the meaning of kolapadma in the context of Natyashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: