Gati in Theory and Practice
by Dr. Sujatha Mohan | 2015 | 88,445 words
This page relates ‘Temple sculptures as sources for practice of arts� of the study on the Theory and Practice of Gati (“gait�) which refers to the “movement of a character on the stage�, commonly employed (as a Sanskrit technical term) in ancient Indian Theatrics and the Dramatic arts, also known as Natya-shastra. This thesis explores the history and evolution of Gati and also investigates how the various Gatis are employed in regional performance traditions.
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Temple sculptures as sources for practice of arts
Sculptures seen in and around India, in places like Sāṃchi, Ѳٳܰ, Amaravati, Nagārjunakoṇḍā, Ellora, and so on, were well sculpted with knowledge of the ṭyśٰ. The sculptors have also been inspired by the dramatic elements seen in the literary works. Thantonri Perumal temple in ñ is said to have the sculptures related to Ѳٳٲ prahasana. Temples during medieval period prove that the sculptors had technical knowledge about these art forms.
The Hindu trinities Ś, վ and ḥm along with their Բ, Nandi, Ҳḍa and Ჹṃs respectively are seen in a huge Hindu temple built during the ninth century is seen in Prāmbaṇan, Central Java. Many dance figures portraying the movement of apsaras and panels showing the Ramayana scenes, which have been the source for the classical dance seen in Indonesia and Thailand. There are also many sculptures portraying the elements of the ṭyśٰ, which proves that this work has spread over all through South-east Asia.[1] The sculptures should have followed the or the śī forms prevailing in their region.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Prambanan: Sculpture and dance in Ancient Java-Dr. Alessandra Iyer