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 3 - Later developments of dramatic techniques
11 (of 22)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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preceptor was, is not certain; but in the introductory verses to his Rājasūyam Kathakaḷi, he invokes the blessing of a Reghunathasūri. The same Reghunathasŭri is referred to in respectful terms by his nephew Aśvati Tirunā� in his Sṛngārasudhākara Bhāṇa. (On the basis of the above facts it is conjectured that Reghunathasūri might have instructed the Mahārāja in Yoga and Vedānta philsohies). Even as a prince, Kārtika Tirunā� Rāma Varma assisted his uncle Martāṇda Varma in all the wars undertaken by him especially those against the East India company and the Rājas of Kayamkulam, Ambalappuzha, Tekkumkur and Vaṭakkumkur. When the Rājā of Ambalappuzha was defeated, he collected all the ancient palm leaf manuscripts preserved in his palace and brought them over to the capi- tal, an incident which shows his interest in culture. In order to make sure Rama Varma's learning in arts and possession of noble qualities, the king asks the pandits and poets in his court whether his nephew knows anything of the various arts that he has learnt and they reply in one voice, कलावान� रामचन्द्रोऽय� अकलङ्काद्भुतोदयः � गुणज्योत्स्नावितानेन ह्लादयत्यखिल� जगत् ।। ( [kalāvān rāmacandro'ya� akalaṅkādbhutodaya� | guṇajyotsnāvitānena hlādayatyakhila� jagat || (] This Rāma, being the moon, possesses kalās and indeed he rises without any kalaṅka (black mark). Being the light of the moon, he delights the whole world with his qualities). 99
