Essay name: Hastalaksanadipika a critical edition and study
Author:
E. K. Sudha
Affiliation: Government Sanskrit College (Tripunithura) / Department of Sanskrit
This is an English study on the Hastalaksanadipika—a manual depicting the Mudras (gestures) of the Kerala theatre. It is a very popular text supposedly dating to the 10th century A.D. This study also touches the subject of Krsnanattam, Kathakali and Kutiyattam—some of India's oldest theatrical traditions in Kerala.
Chapter 2 - Bharata’s Dramaturgy
26 (of 56)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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symbolism. For Sṛngāra the colour is green and the deity is Visṇu, Green is the colour of nature (Prakṛti), which is a symbol of fertility. Human point of view of nature is greenery. Visnu is described as 'उज्वलवेषधारी [ᱹṣaī] ' who is the symbol of beauty in unison. Pañcama is the musical note. Håsya is silver shaded and its deities are Sivapārṣadas (the attendants of Lord Siva). The note is Madhyama. Silver is a very bright metal. In Hasya, the face becomes as bright as silver. Therefore the colour is quite appropriate. Śivaparsadas are known to make Siva and Pârvati always laugh out of happiness by their comic actions. Hence they become the presiding deities of Hasya itself. The colour given to Karuṇa is tawny (kapōta), the deity is Yama and the note, Niṣāda. Karuṇa is the stage when the mind is desparate and the bright part of expectations faded. Therefore the faded colour kapōta is fit for it. Yama is the God of death. In other words Yama is the embodiment of death. Death is the context where Karuna can flourish. Raudra has red as its colour, Rudra as the deity. Red is the colour of blood. It can lead mind to turmoil. A sudden change of the mind is also possible with this colour. Because it can attract the mind in whatever sense it may be. Rudra, a part of Lord Siva is always furious shouting Lord Brahmã by asking that what he is supposed to do. The notes are Ṛsabha and Dhaivata. For Vira the colour is golden and the deity is Lord Indra. Golden colour adds splendour to the sentiment. It has a majestic look also. Indra is considered as the symbol of Virarasa. He is the one to lead the Gods in the battle and ever remains victorious. Indrapada is the highest post in any Manuantara. 58
