The Sacred Dance of Ancient India and its Relevance to Hindu Iconography

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of Indian arts, with the tradition of dance as a central element which links several streams of artistic expressions. However, dance is not the exclusive subject, but rather a critical element within a more extensive investigation of Indian artistic heritage. While the initial chapters focus on the Nāṭyaśāstra and dance traditions, the study proceeds to explore the enduring significance of the philosophical aspects of Indian arts in their entirety. The uniqueness of this book is its study of the karaṇa-s, the primary dance movements described in the Nāṭyaśāstra, extending beyond a purely dance-related interpretation. Rather, the text offers a philosophical perspective on the karaṇa-s as instruments for self-knowledge, emphasizing their spiritual and yogic dimensions. It unveils their role in self-transformation, and their connection to the Āgamic tradition and temple worship in South India. Through this vast study, the book reveals the influence of dance traditions on Indian sculptural art and its relevance to the gradual development of Hindu iconography.