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- (Bhumi )NamaskārahaThe act of prostration; In Bharathanātyam, a short sequence of gestures and postures performed as a ritual of obeisance before and after dancing.
- Abhinaya
- AbhinayadharpaṇaIt is a treatise on Bharathanātyam written by Nandikeśhwara in 2nd century AD.
- AḍavuA basic unit of dance technique in Bharathanātyam, combining standing position, foot and leg movement, and hand gestures. Aḍavus are the building blocks of the nruttha, or abstract dance aspect of Bharathanātyam,, in which the movements are decorative and convey no meaning.
- Adhbhutha
- Adhbutha
- Adhhama
- AdhhomukhaIt is one of the Śhiro bhedhas(head variations). It means to face downwards.
- AdhhomukhaśhwānāsanaA posture in Yoga resembling a dog facing downwards.
- ādhi
- Ādhi thāḷaIt is the most common rhythmic pattern (thālam) with eight counts. The technical name is Chathurashra-jāthi Thriputa Thālam.
- Agni
- AgrathalaIt is one of the foot positions used in Bharathanātyam. In Sanskrit, Agra means tip and Thala means bottom.
- Āhārya, Āhārya AbhinayaIt is one of the four aspects of Abhinaya (the art of expression) that relates to expression through costume, jewellery, and make-up.
- AjāḍyaIn Sanskrit, it means lack of sluggishness.
- Akāra
- ĀkāraUsing the vowel 'aaa'... to sing rāga or a musical phrase instead of words or swaras. One may also use vowels like eee, ooo, ayyy, aii, ohhh, etc. Ākāram is usually indicated by dots, ex: kā...mā...kṣhi...
- ĀkāśhaIn Sanskrit, it means Sky or Space.
- AkṣharaIt means Syllable.
- Akṣharakāla
- Alankāra
- Alaṅkāram(1) - meaning a beautiful arrangement of swaras, it used to be a term for gamaka in the times of Bharatha (from AḍukkuAṇi) (2) - refers to the sapthaalaṅkārams, where the students are introduced for the first time to intricate thālas (SulādhiSapthathālas) and exercises in three speeds in(...)
- AlapadhmaIt means a Fully Bloomed Lotus in Sanskrit. In dance, it is shown by the following instruction: Spread all the fingers and slightly bend sideways towards the palm.
- ĀlāpanaOne of the forms in manodhharma sangītha wherein a beautiful picture of the rāga free of rhythm is created by the performer in different octaves, starting from slow phrases to faster phrases gradually building the climax. Phrases used while rendering are Aa, Ee, Thanna, Thadharinna etc.
- AlarippūUsually the first dance item in a Bharathanātyam, recital, the alarippū is a abstract dance item that begins with movements of just the eyes, and then progressively involves more of the body and increase the rhythmic pace. It symbolizes awakening, sanctification of the performing place, and(...)
- AlārippuA dance style, which uses solkaṭṭu swaras - it is a beginning piece, often the first taught to dance students. It allows for expert gestures and intricate footwork coordinated in a strict manner in a fast-paced performance. Typically, the songs have no actual words, only solkaṭṭus.
- ĀlīḍaIt is one of the foot positions in Bharathanātyam.
- ĀlolithaIt is one of the Shiro bhedha(head variations). It means that which is shaken. In this variation, the head is rotated in a circular movement in a clockwise and anti clockwise direction.
- AmbalamAmbalam means Temple; It also means a stage for performing arts.
- AnāgathaA viṣhama graham in which the music begins after the start of the thāḷa. For EgMāJānaki – Kāmbhoji- Thyāgarāja ;Marugelara – Jayanthashri - Thyāgarāja
- AnāhathaNādha
- ĀnandhaMeaning "peace" or "ultimate happiness," this is also sometimes used in singing of thānam.
- AnchithaIt is one of the Foot positions in Bharathanātyam. It means curved or arched.
- Āndhra PradeśhIt is one of the states in the southern part of India. It’s capital is Hydherābadh and the language spoken there is Thelugu.
- AṅgasThe major parts of the body, such as head, chest, hands, and legs. One of three groups into which body parts are classified for the assignment of movements. The others are the prathyaṅgas or intermediate parts of the body, and upāṅgas, which include the extremities and facial features.
- Āngika, Āṅgika AbhinayaThe aspect of the art of expression (abhinaya) that relates to expression through body movements, including hand gestures and facial expressions.
- AnjaliIt means divine offering. It is also one of the Samyutha hastha mudhrās where salutations are offered with both palms facing each other and joined together.
- AnnamāchāryaHe is one of the leading composers from Āndhrapradeśh in Carnātic music.
- AnnapūrṇaShe is the Goddess of food. The temple for Annapūrṇa is in the city of Kāśhi.
- AntharagāndhāramThe highest of the 3 types of Ga - Ga3. It corresponds to E natural of the Western key of C.
- AnubhavaThe consequences or effects of a feeling, manifested externally, that serve to indicate the inner state.
- Anudhhrutham
- AnudhruthamA type of thāḷa movement which is a single beat of the hand on the thigh. Its symbol is U. Considered a small (anu=small) dhrutham, it is equivalent to 1 akshara.
- Anuloma-viloma
- Anumandhrasthāyi
- AnupallaviUsually the second section of a song, after the pallavi and before the charaṇam, often of 2 lines. After this, the pallavi is repeated. Since anu means small, this is like a small pallavi. Generally it is believed that the idea which is introduced in the pallavi is elaborated more concretely(...)
- Anuswara
- Anuvādhi
- Anuvruttha
- Anya
- Apaswara
- ApūrvarāgasRāgas which are uncommon or rare.
- Apūrvathāḷa
- AraimanḍiA signature posture of Bharathanātyam, with erect torso, bent legs, knees outward, heels together, and toes outward. Also call ardhhamanḍali.
- Arāḷa
- AramanḍiIt is the most important position in Bharathanātyam. Here, the knees are bent forming oblong shape.
- AraṅgamA Tamil word meaning stage, raised platform, or island.
- Araṅgéṭram
- ĀrathiA song or ritual performed with a flame and/or turmeric to drive away evil spirits. Ārathi songs are usually in maṅgaḷa rāgas
- Ardhhabhekāsana
- Ardhhachandra
- ArdhhamanḍaliA signature posture of Bharathanātyam, with erect torso, bent legs, knees outward, heels together, and toes outward. Also call araimanḍi.
- ArdhhanārīśhwaraIt is the concept in Indian mythology where Shiva and his consort Śhakthi are depicted as two equal portions of the body. The deity is the Lord who has both feminine and masculine traits.
- ArdhhapathākaIt is an Asamyutha hastha. This means ‘Half a flag’. From the thripathāka hasthā, when the little finger is bent, ardhapathāka is formed.
- Ārohaṇa
- ĀsanaIn Sanskrit, it means seat or Posture.
- Aṣhtāṅga yoga"Ashtaṅga Yoga" ("Eight-Limbed Yoga"). This eight-limbed concept derived from the 29th Sutra of the 2nd chapter of Pathanjali’s Yoga sūthras is a core characteristic of practically every Rāja yoga variation taught today.
- AṣhtāṅganamaskāraIt is a salutation where the eight limbs of the body touch the ground.
- AṣhtapadhiLiterally "eight steps," this is a musical form, a type of sabhāgānam, also used in dance. Each has eight stanzas, plus one. The most famous is by Jayadheva and composed in devotion to Kriṣhṇa.
- Aṣhṭapadhi
- AśhwasanchalanāsanaIt is a posture in Yoga which resembles the movement of a horse. Aśhwa means horse and sanchalana means moving.
- AssāmIt is one of the states in the eastern part of India. It’s capital is Dispur(in Guwahati) and the language spoken there is Asomiya (commonly referred to as Assamese).
- Aṭa Thāḷa
- AthīthaA viṣhamagraha in which the music starts before the beginning of the thāḷa (Also spelt as ateeta) For eg :Ninnuvinā – Poorvikalyāni – ShyāmaShāstri ; ChedebudhiMānura – Attāna - Thyāgarāja
- AthithārasthāyiThe octave above the thārasthāyi (two octaves above the middle octave), indicated by 2 dots above the note
- Aṭṭa
- Aṭṭami
- AṭṭathāḷavarṇamA varṇam set iṇ aṭṭa thāḷa which usually has the same structures of other varṇams for example the pallavi, anupallavi and mukthāyiswara in the poorvānga or first half and the charaṇam and chittaswaras in the utharāngam. The edduppu in most starts at the ring finger. This may be due to the fact(...)
- ĀṭṭavarṇamAnother name for a padha varṇam
- AuḍavaMeaning 5, this indicates rāgas which use only 5 notes instead of 7 in either the ascending or descending scale (or both), leaving out 2 notes. Mohana is an auḍava-auḍava rāga because it uses only Sa Ri Ga Pa and Dha going both up and down.
- Auḍava rāga
- Avahitha
- AvalokithaIt is one of the Driṣhṭi bhedhas. It is the downward gaze of the eyes.
- Avanāddha VādyaPercussion Instruments covered with stretched skin, e.g. Mridangam.
- ĀvarthanaOne cycle/bar of the particular rhythmic meter or thāḷa. For example, in ādhi thāḷa in madhya laya (medium tempo), one āvarthanam is 8 beats. Two āvarthanas are 16, etc.
- ĀyathaIt means to spread over. This is the most important position in Bharathanātyam also known as Aramandi.
- ĀyurvedhaIt is the science of life. It is one of the systems of Indian medicine.
- BalamIt means Strength in Sanskrit.
- Balarāma
- Bālāsana
- BāndhavaThe word means Relative in Sanskrit. In Hastha mudhras, we have specific gestures to depict relatives.
- Bhāgavatha Meḷam
- Bhāgavatham
- BhagawānThe word is used to denote God in Sanskrit.
- Bhairava
- Bhairavi
- Bhajana / BhajanA devotional song often sung in groups and in religious settings.
- BhakthiA Sanskrit word meaning devotion. In Hinduism or Bharathanātyam, refers to loving devotion to a particular deity. A high form of spiritual expression emphasized in Bharathanātyam, by Rukmini Devi.
- Bharatha muniThe name of the sage who wrote the text named Nātyaśhāsthra.
- BhasthrikaBhasthrika means bellows. Bhasthrika Prāṇāyāma is called the bellows breath. Air is forcibly drawn in & out as if using the bellows.
- BhāvaThe art of expression, the outer manifestation of an inner experience. Bhāva is a key feature of Bharathanātyam.
- Bhayānaka
- BhedhaIt means variations in Sanskrit In dance it indicates the various eye, neck, head and hand movements.
- BherundaA mythical two headed eagle.
- Bhramari
- Bhujaṅga
- BhūmiThis word refers to the Earth in Sanskrit.
- Bhuvanam
- Bībhathsa
- BindhiThe round (dot shaped) mark worn on the forehead in India by girls and women, mostly Hindhus.
- BindhuA dot.
- BrahmaThe god of creation; One of the Hindhu trinity of Gods.
- BrahminAlso Brāhmaṇa. In ancient India, one who attained highest spiritual knowledge. One with suitable traits for spiritual advancement. After the caste system came into being, one who was born in the Brahmin or priestly caste. More recently associated with educated classes of society.
- Bruhaspathi
- BuddhaThe founder of the sect known as Buddhism; accepted later as one of the Avathāras of Viṣhṇu.
- BuddhiIt indicates Intellect, Intelligence in Sanskrit
- BudhaName of the planet Mercury in Sanskrit.
- Chakra
- ChāmaraIn Sanskrit, it means Fan. Lord Ganapathi has ears resembling a fan or as broad as a fan.
- Chandhra
- ChandhrakalāIn Sanskrit, Chandhrakala means ‘The crescent moon’.
- Chāpu
- ChāriThe Chāris are the movements of the legs and feet. It is one of the important components of aḍavus.
- Chathura
- Chathuraṅga dhanḍāsana
- Chathuraśhra
- Chauka kāḷa
- Chauka varṇaIt is another name for a padha varṇam - a varṇam that has rhythmic elements like a padham, meant for classical dance.
- ChidhambaramChidhambaram is a major pilgrimage site (240 kms south of Chennai) for Śhaivites as well as Vaiṣhṇavites, where one of the holiest and most ancient temples of Hinduism, the Chidhambaram temple is located. Chidhambaram is the birthplace of the sculpture and bronze image representation of Śhiva(...)
- Chinna MéḷamAnother name for Sadhir Nāṭyam, combining the Tamil words, chinna (small) and méḷam (performance)
- Choḷa
- ḌamaruA type of drum that is narrow in the middle and wide at the ends.
- Ḍamaruyathi
- DhaithyaIn Sanskrit, it means Demon.
- Dhakṣhiṇāmūrthi
- DhānavaIn Sanskrit, it means Demon.
- Dhāru varṇa
- DhāsaIn Sanskrit, it means servant.
- Dhaśhāvathāra
- Dhāsi ĀṭṭamThe dance of the dhevadhāsis or the servants of God. In Tamil, āṭṭam means dance.
- Dhāṭṭu varisai
- DhevadhāsiThey are the female servants of the deity. Girls dedicated to dance in front of the deity in the temples of South India were called Dhevadhāsis.
- DhevaranāmaThe song of the gods is the literal meaning of the word Dhevaranama. It refers to the group of compositions made in lucid style in Kannada by the devotional saints of Karnataka, mainly the Dhāsa saints like Purandharadhāsa, Kanakadhāsa and others.
- DhevasthhānamIt means the abode of the Goddess/God in Sanskrit.
- DhevathāIn Sanskrit, Dhevatha means Goddess/God. In Bharatanatyam, Dhevatha hasthas are the hand gestures depicting gods and goddesses.
- DhothiA men's garment consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth tied around the waist, covering the legs. There are various ways to tie it.
- DhruṣhṭiIn Sanskrit, it means vision. In Bharathanātyam, Dhruṣhṭibhedha is the variations in the eye movements which are seven in number.
- DhruthaThis is one of the angās of a thālam. Dhrutham refers to the beat and wave of the hand. The symbol ‘0’ is used to denote it.
- Dhruva thāḷaThis is one of the Saptha Thāḷas. Dhruva thāḷa has the aṅgas - Laghu Dhrutham Laghu Laghu (1 0 1 1). Chathuśhra Jāthi Dhruva Thāḷa consists of 14 beats. The number of beats in the thāla will vary according to the Laghu
- DhurgāShe is another form of Goddess Pārvathi; She is a symbol of strength.
- DhūthaIn Sanskrit, it means a messenger.
- Dhwi Sthāyi
- Dola hastha
- Eka
- Eka thāḷa
- Ekāra
- ÉtramA Tamil word meaning ascent, climbing, or to step on to.
- EṭṭaḍavuEṭṭu means to reach out. This set of Aḍavus gets its name from the movements of the hands and the body. There are 3 variations of Ettaḍavu.
- GaṇaThey are the attendants of Lord Śhiva.
- Gāna
- GaṇapathiHe is the elephant faced God, the son of Lord Śhiva and Pārvathi and the remover of obstacles.
- GāndhāraThis is the 3rd note in the Saptha Swarā scale. This is of 3 types: Śhuddha Gāndhāram, Sādhāraṇa Gāndhāram and Anthara Gāndhāram.
- GandharvaThey are semi divine beings, who are well versed in the art of music and dance.
- Garuḍa
- GaruḍamanḍalaIt is an important foot position in Bharathanātyam
- GaruḍāsanaIt is a pose in yoga which resembles the eagle.
- Gathi
- GāyanaIn Sanskrit, it means singing.
- GejjeIn Kannada language, it means anklet.
- Ghungru
- GīthamThis is considered the simplest musical form. Gīthams fall under the Abhyāsa Gānam category. Gīthams were created Purandhara Dhāsa. Gīthams have no absolutely defined divisions of pallavi, anupallavi or charanam though these may be observed in many cases. Gīthams have around 10-12 āvathanams.(...)
- Gomukha
- GopuchhayathiThis refers to rhythmic patterns, swaras or words which are broad in the beginning and constantly narrow down like that of a cow’s tail. An example of Gōpucha Yathi is ‘Pérabhayam Abhayam Bhayam’.
- Guru
- Gurukula
- Half-sari
- Hamsa
- Hamsapakṣha
- HamsāsyaIt is one of the Asamyutha hastha mudhra. It means the Swan’s bill. In Bharathanātyam, in the Hamsāsya hasthā, the thumb and the index finger touch each other at the tips, while the other fingers are straight, separated and stretched. It is also known as Chin mudhra in yoga.
- HanumānHe is the god of strength. He is a monkey faced God in Hindhu mythology.
- HaraIt is another name for Lord Śhiva.
- HariIt is another name for Lord Viṣhṇu.
- Hastha, Hastha MudhraHastha means hand in Sanskrit. It is a symbolic gesture using the hands and fingers, used for decoration as well as expressing meaning in Bharathanātyam.
- Hāsya
- HindhuOriginally the word indicated the people and culture indigenous to the Indian sub-continent. Now it has come to indicate those who practice the faith of Hindhuism.
- Hūmkāra
- IndhirāShe is the goddess of wealth. She is the wife of Lord Viṣhṇu.
- IndhraHe is the king of Gods.
- IndhuIt means The Moon.
- ĪśhānyaIt is the direction of North – east.
- Īśhwara
- JagannāthaIn Sanskrit, Jagannātha means 'Master/ Lord' (nātha) of the 'World, Universe' (Jagath). He is The Lord of the world. He is another form of Lord Viṣhṇu. The oldest and most famous Jagannāth deity is established in Puri, in Orissa. The temple of Jagannāth in Puri is regarded as one of the sacred(...)
- Janaka rāga
- Janya rāgaThis refers to a rāga that has been derived from a Méla rāga. A janya rāga may not have all the swarās from its parent rāga. Its ārōhanam and avarōhanam may not follow an orderly fashion and sometimes swarās from other rāgās may feature in a janya rāga.
- JariIt refers to an embroidery using metal threads, usually silver, gold, or copper and often for decoration of borders of the cloth.
- JathiDrum syllables, or sequences of drum syllables, describing units of percussion. Also sequences of syllables intoned by the dance conductor (naṭṭuvanār), during abstract dance passages
- Jāthi
- JathiswaraThe Jathis (rhythmic syllables) are combined with swaras (musical notes) in a particular raga and thāḷa. It is similar to a Swarajathi but does not contain any Sāhithyam. Only the names of notes are sung. Jathiswarams are used in dance recitals. Some jathiswarams are found in chauka kāla and(...)
- Jāvaḷi
- JayanthiThe Sanskrit word for anniversary and often refers to celebrations of the birthdays of religious figures and deities.
- Jhampa thāḷaThis is one of the Saptha Thālās. Jhumpa thālam has the angās Laghu Anudhrutham and Dhrutham (1 U 0). Mishra Jāthi Jhumpa Thālam consists of 10 beats. The number of beats in the thālam will vary according to the Laghu.
- Jhanṭi
- JithendriyaThe one who has control over his senses is known as Jithendriya in Sanskrit.
- JnānaThis could also be spelt as Gnyāna. It means Knowledge and wisdom.
- Jnāna yogaJnana yoga is the path of knowledge that leads to an experience of absolute truth.
- KalāIt means fine arts.
- Kāla
- Kālapramāṇa swarāvaḷi
- KalaripayattuIt's a traditional martial art form from Kerala, where artist move with a grace of dancers at the same time wielding deadly weapons in their hands.
- KaliyugaKali Yuga is the last of the four stages the world goes through as part of the cycle of yugas described in the Indian scriptures
- Kalki
- KapālabhāthiKapālabhāthi is a combination of two Sanskrit words. 'kapāla' meaning 'skull,' and 'bhāthi' meaning 'light' or 'lustre.' This breathing exercise is done to cleanse the body. Kapālabhāthi is essentially performed to clear the respiratory passages by forceful expiration.
- KapitthaIt means wood apple. It is a favourite of Lord Ganesha. In dance, it is a single hand gesture.
- Kapotha
- Karkaṭa
- KarmaIt denotes the actions of the individual.
- Karma yogaKarma Yoga is the path of service, for in this path, it is believed that the present situation is based on one’s past actions. Karma Yoga is the path of action, service to others, mindfulness, and remembering the levels of our being while fulfilling our actions or karma in the world. Karma(...)
- KarṇaIn Sanskrit, it means Ear. It is also name of one of the greatest warriors, Karna who is one of the central characters in the epic Mahābhārata.
- KarnātakaIt is one of the states in the southern part of India. The capital is Bengaluru (Spelt & pronounced Bangalore till recently) and the language spoken is Kannada. Many a famous composer hailed from this state.
- Karthari aḍavu
- KartharimukhaIt is an Asamyutha hastha. Karthari means scissors. From the ardhapathāka hasthā, the little and the ring fingers are pressed against the thumb, while the index and the middle fingers are stretched to show a scissor.
- KarthariswasthikaIt is a Samyutha hastha. It means Crossed scissors gesture. When both hands are crossed holding the in kartharimukha mudhrā we get the karthariswasthika hastha.
- Karuṇa
- KatakāmukhaOne of the single hand gestures in dance. Kataka means a Bracelet or link.
- KatakavardhhanaIt is a double hand gesture in Dance. It indicates Crossed katakāmukha. When both the hands are crossed holding the kaṭakāmukha mudrā, we get the kaṭakāvardhana hastha.
- Kathak
- Kathakali
- Katthi aḍavu
- KatvaIt means cot. In Bharathanātyam, it is indicated as follows: Hold the simhamukha hastha in both the hands at chest level and turn the hand so that the palm is facing upwards. Join the tips of the middle and ring fingers of both the hands.
- KaviIt means poet.
- KāvyaIt is a Sanskrit literary style. It means poetry.
- KethuHe is one of the nine planets in Indian astrology. He is the serpent tailed Lord of the Descending/South lunar node.
- Khanḍa
- Khanḍa chāpuThis refers to a Chāpu thāla with 5 beats (2 + 3). A beat constitutes the angās in the thāla.
- Khanḍa Jāthi
- Kīlaka
- KīrthanamAn expressive Bharathanātyam item, usually devotional in sentiment, with lyrics in praise of a particular deity. A medium tempo item with some abstract dance elements included for interest. The sāhithya which plays an important role in this form is usually in praise of god or one that(...)
- Korvai aḍavuThe word Korvai means to compile, join or thread together. The Korvai Aḍavu is a combination of Thattu, Pàichal, Nāttu, Bhramari and Mandi aḍavu.
- Kovil
- Kriṣhṇa
- Kruthi / Krithi
- KṣhathriyaThose who were into defence and warfare were called Kshatriyas in the past. Today it refers to those born in the community which once engaged in warfare.
- KūchipūḍiKūchipūḍi is the classical dance form from the South-Eastern state of Andhra Pradesh. It derives its name from the village of Kuchelapuram, a small village about 65 kms from Vijayawāda. It is known for its graceful movements and its strong narrative dramatic character.
- Kudhitta meṭṭaḍavuKudhi means to jump and meṭṭu is to strike the floor gently on the toes with the heels raised up.
- KummiA women's folk dance from Tamizh Nāḍu, done in a circle with clapping.
- Kunchitha pādhaA foot position in dance where the foot is bent or curved.
- KuravanjiA group dance by women, interpreting literary or poetic compositions typically on the theme of fulfilment of the love of a girl for her beloved.
- KūrmaIn Sanskrit, it means a tortoise.
- Kūrmavathāra
- KurthāA loose shirt worn by men and women, reaching to just above the knees or somewhat below the knees, and worn over dhothis, churidhārs, salwārs or other pants.
- KuṭṭaḍavuIt is one of the footwork variations in Bharatanātyam. Kuṭṭanam means the striking of the ground with the foot.
- Laghu
- Lakṣhaṇa
- LakṣhmiShe is the Goddess of wealth and the wife of Lord Viṣhṇu.
- LāsyaIt refers to abstract dance with graceful, lyrical and tender movements, usually ascribed to feminine qualities.
- LāvanyaIn Sanskrit, it means like beauty, loveliness or grace.
- Laya
- Laya sadhaka
- Madhya
- Madhyama
- MahābhārathaA major Sanskrit epic of ancient India, immensely important to Indian culture and a key source of themes for classical dance compositions.
- Mallari
- Manḍala bhedhasThe positions or postures of the feet can either be static or dynamic. The static postures are called Manḍala Bhedhas. There are 10 variations in Manḍala bhedha.
- ManḍiIt means knee in Tamil and Kannada. In Bharthanātyam we have postures such as muzhumanḍi and aramanḍi as also some aḍavus. Muzhumanḍi is the full seated position. Aramanḍi is the half seated position.
- Maṅgaḷa / maṅgaḷamBenediction. A short benedictory item of music or dance performed at the end of the last performance of the day.
- MaṇipūriIt is one of the classical dances of India from the state of Maṇipūr. Maṇipūri is a very graceful form of dance. It has very little facial expressions but its body movements are beautiful and graceful.
- ManmathaIn Sanskrit, the word refers to Cupid: the God of Love.
- MārgamThe sequence of items in a Bharathanātyam recital. The literal meaning in Sanskrit is ‘the way or path’.
- Mārjari āsana
- MāruthaThis word in Sanskrit indicates the wind.
- MāruthiThe son of the Wind God. Another name for Hanumān.
- MathsyaIn Sanskrit, it means Fish. In yoga, we have a posture resembling the fish. In dance, when the right palm is placed over the back of the left palm, while both hold the Ardhhachandra hastha, Mathsya is formed.
- Mathsyāsana
- Mathsyāvathāra
- Matya Thāḷa
- MayūraIt means Peacock. It is a single hand gesture-asamyutha hastha – in Bharathanātyam, it is described as: From the thripathāka hastha, the ring finger and the tip of the thumb touch each other while the other fingers are held straight without any gap.
- Mrudhaṅgam
- MudhrāA symbolic gesture using the hands and fingers in thanthra. This term has also been used to refer to hand gestures in Bharathanātyam, where they are used for decoration as well as expressing meaning. Hastha mudhrās or hand gestures are the most important element of dance.
- Mukula
- Muṣhṭi
- Muthuswami Dhikṣhithar
- Muzhumanḍi
- Muzhumanḍi PrenkhaṇaPrenkhaṇam indicates Swing. First, sit in the Muzhumandi position. The right leg is then outstretched to the right with the toes pointing up. This position can also be held with the legs the other way round.
- Naḍai
- Nādha
- NāgabandhaThis is a hastha mudhra used to denote Nāgabhandha or Twining Snakes. The nāgabandha is placed at chest level.
- Namasthe/Namaskār/Namaskāra/NamaskaramThe most popular form of greeting in India, especially the elders, is to say Namasthe with the hands joined at the chest level. It is also used at the time of farewell.
- Nandhi/Nandikeśhwara
- Nara
- NarasimhaHe is the fourth incarnation of Lord Viṣhṇu. He is half man and half lion.
- NarthakaIn Sanskrit, it means a Male dancer.
- NarthakiIn Sanskrit, it means a Female dancer.
- Natarāja
- Nāṭṭaḍavu
- NaṭṭuvanārOne who wields the cymbals/Thāḷam and conducts the performance; one who does Naṭṭuvāṅgam.
- NaṭṭuvāṅgamThe practice or art of reciting rhythmic syllables and striking cymbals on particular beats that follow the foot work of the dancer; The art of conducting Bharathanātyam, a dance recital.
- NātyaThe dramatically oriented aspects of dance are called Nātya, including spoken dialogue and mime, to convey meaning and enact narrative.
- Nātya ŚhāsthraA scripture attributed to the sage Bharatha that deals with theatre arts and dance. The Nātya Śhāsthra is about 2,000 years old. Written by Sage Bharatha.
- Nātya vedha
- NātyārambhaThis the basic hand position in Bharatanātyam.
- Naukāsana
- Nāyaka
- Nāyaki
- NimīlithaIt means half closed in Sanskrit. It is one of the Driṣhṭi bhedhas. The eyes are kept half closed in this variation.
- NirbhayaBhaya indicates fear and with the prefix ’ni’ it indicates ‘without fear’.
- NirruthiThe south west direction is Nirruthi. In the Vedhic times, it was depicted as a female goddess. Later it denotes a male god in charge of the directions. In dance, it can be depicted as follows: Hold khatva in the left hand and śhakata in the right hand.
- NiyamaIt consists of the five "observances": purity, contentment, austerity, study, and the surrender to god.
- NruthyaInterpretive dance, using facial expressions, hand gestures and body movements to portray emotions and express themes is termed Nruthya.
- NrutthaNruttha is the set of abstract dance movements with rhythm but without expression of a theme or emotion. It is also called pure dance.
- Nruttha HasthasA sub-set of the hasthas (hand gestures) that find use in nruttha (abstract dance).
- OdishaThe way in which the name of the state of Orissa is pronounced in the native language.
- OdissiThe classical dance form which is from the state of Orissa. . It is the oldest surviving dance form in India on the basis of archaeological evidence.
- PādhaIn Sanskrit, it means feet.
- Padha varṇam
- Padham
- PadhmakośhaIt is one of the Asamyutha hastha. It means lotus bud. Turn the hand so that the palm is facing upwards. All the fingers are stretched and bent slightly to form the padmakośha hastha. It looks like holding a ball or a fruit.
- Padhmāsana
- Pāichal aḍavuIn Tamil, Pāichal means to leap. In Sanskrit, it is ‘Uthplavana’. This Aḍavu involves leaping movements, covering space either to the sides or front with horizontal or through vertical jumps.
- ParabrahmanIt is a term often used by Vedāntic philosophers about the "attainment of the ultimate goal". It is a Sanskrit word - para meaning beyond and Brahman meaning universal self or spirit. Parabrahman is That which is beyond Brahman - The self-enduring, eternal, self-sufficient cause of all(...)
- ParakīyaThe married woman in love with another man. One of numerous categories of nayikās, or heroines, in Bharathanātyam.
- ParaśhurāmaHe is the sixth of the ten incarnations of Lord Viṣhṇu and is the son of a Brahmin father Jamadhagni and mother Reṇukā in Hindhu mythology. In Daśhāvathāra hasthas he is depicted as an angry man holding the axe. Hold Muṣhṭi hastha in left hand and Ardhhapathāka hastha in the right hand to(...)
- Paraval aḍavu
- ParavritthamIt is one of the Śhiro bhedhas (head variations). It means turning. The face is turned away either to the right side or the left side. Alternately, the head is also moved from a side to side like a pattern of alphabet S.
- ParivahithaIt is one of the Śhiro bhedas(head variations). It means moving widely. The head is moved from side to with ears touching the shoulders alternately.
- ParivarthithaIt is one of the grīva bhedhas (neck variations). It means revolving round. Move the neck from side to side resembling the shape of a half moon.
- Parivruttha thrikonasanaParivruttha means to turn around or revolve. Trikoṇa means thrī angles or a triangle. This is a revolving triangle posture.
- Pārṣhni pārshwagathiIt is one of the foot positions. Pārṣhni means Heel and Pārśhva means near/Side. a. In Aramanḍi b. In Samapādha
- PārśhwasūchiIt is one of the Foot positions. Pārśhva means side and Sūchi means Triangle.
- Pārśhwasūchi PrenkhaṇaIt is one of the foot positions. Pārśhva means Side; Sūchi means Triangle; Prenkhaṇam means moving towards.
- Paśchimotthānāsana
- PāśhaIt is one of the Samyutha hastha. It means Bond or enmity. When both the hands holding the thāmrachūḍa hastha are interlocked with one another with the index fingers, we get the pāśha hastha.
- PathākaIt is one of the Asamyutha hasthas. It means Flag. All the fingers are kept closer to each other with the tip of the thumb bent and placed at the base of the index finger.
- Peri aḍavuPeriya means big. These steps are used to cover big space. This is also known as Usi aḍavu. Usi means off beat.
- PrakampithaIt is one of the grīva bhedha (neck variation). It means shaking. The neck is moved back and forth like the neck of a male pigeon.
- PralokithaIt is one of the Dhriṣhṭi bhedhas. It means wide glance. The pupils are moved to the corner of the eyes from right to left and vice versa.
- Prāṇāyāma
- PrathyālīḍaTaking a particular stance when shooting, also meaning extended towards the left.
- Prathyaṅgas
- PrenkhanaIt is one of the foot positions used in Nāṭṭaḍavu. Prenkhaṇam means moving towards.
- PrerithaIt is one of the foot positions. It means turned. The feet are turned sideways and placed one foot away from each other.
- Pruṣhṭānajali
- Purandharadhāsa
- Pūrṇa thithili āsanaIn Sanskrit, Pūrṇa means complete and thithili means butterfly. This āsana is so called because the legs move up and down like a butterfly's wings. It is one of the most important āsanas for dancers as it helps them to get their basic positions of Aramanḍi and muzhumanḍi right.
- PuṣhpānjaliIt is one of the compositions in Bharatanatyam recital. Puṣhpa means flower and Anjali means salutation. The offering of flowers to a deity as a form of obeisance; Sometimes this ritual is expanded into a dance item.
- PuṣhpapuṭaIt is one of the Samyutha hasthas. It means handful of flowers. Hold pathāka in both the hands with the palm facing upwards. Both the palms are joined together such that the little finger touch each other and slightly hollow at the centre of the palms.
- PuthraIn Sanskrit, it means son.
- Rāga
- RāhuHe is one of the nine planets according to Indian astrology. He is a serpent, waist upwards and human downwards.
- RākṣhasaIt means demon in Sanskrit.
- RamāIt is another name for Goddess Lakṣhmi.
- Rāma
- RāmāyaṇaAn ancient Sanskrit epic of the story of Rama, prominent in India and Southeast Asia and a key source of themes for classical dance compositions. Sage Valmiki composed this grand epic.
- RangaIn Sanskrit, it is the word for color.
- RaṅgamantapaIt means the stage.
- RaṅgapraveśhaIt means entry of the student on stage. Ranga means stage and praveśh/praveśha means entry. Basically it is the first performance of the artist.
- Rās( Ḍānḍiya Rās)A folk dance of Western India where men and women use decorated sticks to keep rhythm, and make complex circular movements. Origins of rās trace back to the life of Lord Kriṣhṇa.
- Rasa
- RasikaRasikas are the connoisseur of fine arts and performing arts.
- Raudhra
- Sadhir, Sadhir Nāṭyam,A solo dance form performed for centuries by dhevadhāsis in temples and eventually in the royal courts of South India, especially in Tamil Nāḍu.
- SāhithyaThe poetic content of the music; bothlyrics and prosody, the system of poetic meters and versification.
- SakhiThe friend, usually a companion of the nāyikā (heroine), one of the characters described in Bharathanātyam and also in the scriptures.
- Salangai
- Salwār-kamīzA traditional dress for women in North India, combining loose pants (salwār) and a long shirt (kamīz).
- SamaIt means equal.
- SamāgamaMeans union, close association or coming together.
- SāmānyaThe courtesan; a free woman whose love is for sale; One of numerous categories of nāyikās, or heroines, in Bharathanātyam.
- Sanchāri BhāvaTransitory states or passing feelings in the presence of a underlying emotion. For example, someone in love may experience impatience, excitement, longing, and weakness, in the presence of the love. Depiction of the passing feelings to more fully portray the dominant emotion is an expressive(...)
- Saraswathi
- SariA traditional women's garment of India, a strip of cloth four to nine meters long and one-and-a-half meters wide, that is worn in various styles in different parts of the country.
- Sarvāṅgāsana
- Sāthvika, Sāthvika AbhinayaOne of the four aspects of the art of expression (abhinaya) that relates to the deep inner feelings of emotional states.
- ŚhabdhamIt is one of the items in a Bharathanātyam, recital; for the first time, students are introduced to the art of expression through Śhabdham where alternating sequences of expressive and abstract dance with each line of the poetry are expressed with lyrics that emphasize a particular word.
- Śhāntha
- Śhiva
- ŚhlokaA Sanskrit term denoting a poem or phrase chanted as a form of prayer.
- Śhrungāra
- SollukaṭṭuRhythmic syllables indicating the arrangement of dance steps or rhythmic beats in a time sequence is a Sollukaṭṭu. The literal meaning in Tamil is spoken (sol) structure or binding (kaṭṭu).
- Sri Rām
- Sri, Shri, Shree written with diacritical marks as Śhrī
- Sthāyi BhāvaA constant, dominant emotional state, unchanged by the passing of various moods related to it. For example, someone in love may feel agitation, comfort, or excitement in the presence of the lover, but the underlying state of love is not changed by them. Depiction of the passing feelings to(...)
- Sukhāsana
- Suptha padhanguṣhtāsana
- Supthavīrāsana
- Swara
- Swarajathi
- SwīyāThe faithful wife. One of numerous categories of nāyikās, or heroines, in Bharathanātyam.
- Thāḍāsana
- Thāḷa
- Thambūra/Thambūri
- Thamil, Thamizh(Spelt as Tamil world-wide, ‘h’ added here for phonetics)It is a South Indian language. The language is spoken in Thamil Nāḍu. Many compositions can be found in Thamil. When India adopted national standards Thamil was the very first language to be recognized as a classical language of India.
- ThamilnāḍuIt is one of the states in the southern part of India. The region has been the home of the Thamil people since at least 500 BCE. Its official language Thamil has been in use in inscriptions and literature for over 2000 years. Thamil Nāḍu is home to many natural resources, Hindhu temples of(...)
- ThāmrachūḍaIt means Rooster. It is a double hand gesture which is displayed When the index finger of the sūchī hasthā is bent, we get the thāmrachūḍa hastha.
- Thāna varṇaThāna Varṇam is known for its Thānam-rhythmic qualities. Thāna varṇams only have lyrics for the pallavi, anupallavi and charaṇam.
- Thanjai Nālvar/Tanjore quartetThe term Tanjore Quartet refers to the four brothers who were Nattuvanārs and Dance masters at the royal court of Serfoji II in Tanjore, in the early 19th Century. While they excelled in the art of Bharathanātyam, they have also authored a number of Thāna varṇams and Kritis. The brothers(...)
- Thanjāvūr
- ThanthraA body of practices and ideas, rooted in the religions of India, that aim to ritually channel divine energy in the human plane, including through the human body, for creative and liberating purposes.
- ThāraOne of the 13 lakshaṇas of a raaga, which indicates its ability to reach higher octaves
- Thārasthāyi
- Thaṭṭaḍavu
- ThaṭṭumeṭṭaḍavuThaṭṭi meṭṭu means to strike and beat. Thaṭṭu means to strike the floor with the sole of the foot. Meṭṭu is to strike the floor gently on the toes with the heels raised up.
- ThilakamThe auspicious mark worn on the forehead by the Hindhus.
- ThillānaIt is a rhythmic piece in Carnātic music, generally performed at the end of a concert and widely used in dance performances in the end, giving a dramatic flourish. A thillāna uses rhythmic phrases (such as dhīm, thakiṭa, thām, jham) in the pallavi and anupallavi and lyrics in the charaṇam.
- ThiraschīnaIt is one of the Neck variations (grīva bhedhas).It means criss - cross. The neck makes gliding movement like that of a snake.
- ThiruvaiyāruIt is one of the towns in Thanjāvūr district situated on the banks of the river Kāveri. Thiruvaiyāru is more renowned for its association with Saint Thyāgarāja, who, along with Muthuswāmi Dikṣhithar and Śhyāma Śhāstri, comprises the Trinity of Carnātic music. The Thyāgarāja Ārādhanā festival(...)
- Thrikoṇāsana
- Thrishūla
- ThyāgarājaHe is also known as Thyāgarājar and Thyagayya; He was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music. He was a prolific composer and highly influential in the development of the South Indian classical music tradition. Thyāgarāja has composed thousands of devotional compositions, most of them(...)
- Trinities
- Ujjayi prāṇāyāma
- Upaṅgas
- Ūrdhwa jānu
- Ūrdhwa pādha
- Uṣhtrāsana
- UthkṣhipthaUthkṣhiptha means thrown upwards or raised, in Sanskrit. This is one of the head variations (śhiro bhedha).
- UthplavanaIt means to jump. This is one of the padha bheda. Also, this is another name for Pāichal aḍavu.
- Uthsaṅga
- UtthamaIt means of noble or divine stature. One of the classifications of characters in Bharathanātyam. Others are madhyama (human) and adhama (base).
- Utthānapādhāsana
- Utthānāsana
- Utthitha hastha padhanguṣhtāsana
- Vāchika
- Vāchika abhinayaExpressions that are communicated through speech become Vāchika abhinaya. In Bharathanātyam, dialogue is not used; so this pertains to how the singer expresses the emotion through music.
- Vāhana
- VaiśhyaThey are one of the four varṇas or Hindhu social classes. Their role lay in productive labour, in agricultural and pastoral tasks, and in trading.
- Vajrāsana
- Vāmana
- Vānara
- Varāha
- Varṇa
- Varṇam
- VaruṇaIn Vedhic religion, Varuṇa is the god of the sky, of water and of the celestial ocean, as well as a god of law and of the underworld.
- Vasiṣhṭāsana
- Vāthāyanāsana
- Vedha
- VibhavaVibhava includes the causes of an emotion, including circumstances, events and any contributing factors.
- Vighna
- Viḷamba
- VilambhithaIn Sanskrit, It means hanging down loosely or suspended.
- Vināyaka
- Vīra
- VirutthamA devotional verse set to a particular melody, but without rhythmic meter.
- Viṣhṇu
- VrukṣhāsanaVrukṣhāsana is one of the important āsanas among the various yogāsanas. Vrukṣhāsana comes from the Sanskrit word Vrukṣha which means tree and that is why this yoga pose/posture is known as the tree pose.
- Vruśchika rechithaVruśchika means Crab and Rechitha means Movement. It is one of the foot positions.
- YakṣhagānaYakṣha-gāna literally means the song (gāna) of a yakṣha. It is a musical theatre popular in the coastal and Malenāḍu regions of Karṇāṭaka. Experts have placed the origin of Yakṣhagāna from the 11th century to the 16th century.
- Yathi
- Yoga
- Yuga