Image title: Figure 17. A Nartaki performing the Samapada Cari

This is a beautiful dancing figure, who seems to be performing a movement her right foot is is in Sama and the left foot is slightly lifted. There seems to be definite movement in the feet. Right hand is in Lata Hasta and the left hand is lifted maybe in Katakamukha (not clear). Siras and Urah are in Sama. Right Kati is slightly in Udvahita. Costume is as in Bharatanatyam–two fan costume. The lady seems to be performing the Samapada Cari. According to the Natya Sastra, “Samapada Cari is performed by keeping the two feet touching each other so that the toe nails are in a line.” Here we can see that the two Pada are parallel to each other and the left leg is lifted from the ground whereas the right Pada is on the ground. Stamping movements are performed by the feet.The huge bun on the left side of the head seems to be the style of dancing girls during the times of the Cholas.

The Samapada Cari is the first one of the Bhumi Caris and is considered as a starting point of many movements. Samapada is counted as a Sthana also which means it is a posture. The Sthanas are positions from which Caris are to be executed. The Karanas are performed in specific Sthanas.The position of the right hand shows a swinging movement which is executed along with the feet stamping alternately. Also a slight bend of the body to left shows the body is also appropriately turning and moving side to side.

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.