Image title: Figure 20. A lady holding a Vina

A lady holding a Vina and dancing. Movement is very visible in this sculpture. Her Siras, Urah are in Sama, Parsva is unbent, Kati is raised on right side, right Janu is in Unnata, right Jangha is in in Udvahitam, right Pada is lifted above the ground in a stamping movement. Left Janu is in Ardhakuncitam, left Jangha is in Nata and left Pada is in Sama. Seems to be performing Adhyardhika Cari in which, “The left foot is kept at the heel of the right. It is separated and placed by its side in an oblique direction at a distance of one and a half spans.This is repeated with the other leg.”

It seems to have been a common practise for the Nartakis to be well versed in other arts as well like playing a Vina or flute or Nadaswaram. Dance and music went together. The girl lifting her right leg in movement proves that she is a dancer also. Dance and music was closely associated with the tradition of the temples.

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.