BharathaNrithyam
Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 October 2010 07:13 Written by Anish Thursday, 09 September 2010 20:23
From the desk of Sujatha Mohan:
BharathaNrithyam is the ancient dramatic technique of the natya shastra known as (Marga), which was restored to consciousness by the internationally renowned Indian danseuse Dr. Padma Subhrahmanyam. Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam has researched and revived the 108 Karanas of Natya Sastra , which formed the basic unit of dance movement in ancient Jambudwipa (Eurasia) and evolved a distinctive style known as “Bharatha Nrithyam”.
As described by my Guru Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam:
"Bharatamuni describes its origin and technique in the 4th chapter of ‘Natya Sastra,’ which is easily the oldest extant text on Dramaturgy, Dance, Music and Poetics.
Each Karana is made up of a Sthana, Chari and Nritta Hasta. The entire gamut of Angika Abhinaya starting from the usage of major and minor limbs needs to be mastered, to learn the Karanas. 108 Karanas have been described by Bharatamuni.
Bharata’s Sutras are too short for a practical re-construction of these Karanas. Abhinavagupta’s commentary, belonging to the early 11th century from Kashmir, illuminates us on their performances.
The sculptural sources for the re-construction of the Karanas are from:
1.Brahadiswara temple, Tanjavur
2. Sarangapani temple, Kumbakonam
3. Nataraja temple, Chidambaram
They are also found in Arunachaleswarar temple, Tiruvannamalai and Vriddhagireeswarar temple, Vrudachalam – all in Tamil Nadu.
Karanas are actions and not static poses. The sculptures are frozen moments of the movements.
Pujyashri Kanchi Mahaswami ordered me to design a new set of Karanas for the Uttara Chidambaram Nataraja Mandir, which was being newly built at Satara in Maharashtra. I have designed 108 twin figures of Siva and Parvati suggesting animation. The relevant couplets defining each Karana from Natya Sastra have also been inscribed in granite.
My recent discoveries of 52 Karana sculptures from Central Java belonging to the 9th century, has been another breakthrough. The comparison of these with my designs for Satara and my practical re-construction of the Karanas have revealed an amazing oneness. Dr. Alessandra Iyer of London has written a detailed book on this connection and this book is published from Thailand. It has been almost a mystic experience for me"
I have inbibed this art form from my Guru, and am committed to advocate and impart bharathanrithyam in its purest form to my students and well-wishers. I hope that this website will serve as one of the tools in this journey of mine...