Image title: Figure 34. Three dancing figures

The centre one is performing a movement from Mandala Sthana. Her right foot is slightly raised showing that she is performing a movement. Seems to be performing Adhyardhika Cari. “The left foot is placed on the back of the right heel, the later to be drawn away a Tala and half apart.” Her Siras is very slightly bent to right in Ancita. Her Urah and Kati are in Udvahita on the right side, her Janu is in Ardhakuncita. Her left hand is kept on the Janu and her right hand is raised holding a Camaram. She is wearing some kind of a head gear similar to Mohenjodaro sculpture.

The left one–is also a female figure playing a Mrdangam. Pada are in Sama facing either side. She seems to be in Vaisnava Sthana.

The right one is a female figure with hands lifted above the head holding maybe a musical instrument like a lazium. Her Siras is in Ancita, her Urah is in Udvahita, her Janu are in Samhatam, her Jangha are in Nata and Avaratita. Pada are in Sama facing each other and in Parsva.

Such sculptures give a good idea about the dance and music during olden days. The dancer was accompanied by musicians who played various instruments while she danced. The dancer is a female whereas the musicians are males. This also brings to light the practice that existed in the olden days.

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.