Indian dancing

DETNIES

Abwe, Kathakali: Left, Kama. Both hands in ‘matsya samyukta’, level with the breast. The rasa’

1s ‘sringara, or erotic love. Right, Pursurama. The left hand in ‘musti with thumb raised (this

would be the ‘sikharad of Bharata Natyam); the right hand in ‘hamsapaksa’, with thumb raised

high. The ‘rasa is “veera’, or valour. Below, Bharata Natyam: Left, Kama. The left hand in

‘sikhara and the right in “kataka-mukha. The ‘rasa’ is ‘sringara’, or erotic love. Right, Pur-

surama. The right hand in ‘ardha-chandra’ and the left folded on the hip. The ‘rasa’ is ‘veera’, or valour.