Rasas in Bharatanatyam: First in a Series on Indian Aesthetics and Bharatanatyam

by Prakruti Prativadi

Bharatanatyam is a dance with ancient origins that has been enjoyed by both practitioners and audiences alike for millennia. Dancer, teacher, and researcher Prakruti Prativadi now explains the purpose of Bharatanatyam and Indian aesthetic theory in Rasas in Bharatanatyam.

In this easy-to-understand guide, Prativadi delves into the heart of the classical art of Bharatanatyam by explaining the objective of the dance, which are Rasas. These concepts are described through an engaging dialogue between a questioning student and wise teacher. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or an eager beginner, Rasas in Bharatanatyam illuminates the rich concepts and culture of Bharatanatyam.

Prativadi goes back to original Sanskrit texts and treatises, such as the Natyashastra, to reveal the full meaning of this thoughtful and powerful form of expression. Prativadi explains Rasas (aesthetic experience) and their relationship to Abhinaya (emotive acting). With graphics, tables, illustrations, and photographs, she shows you the foundation of the dance and techniques to help you become a well-rounded practitioner.

Prativadi also emphasizes the importance of learning the cultural context of the dance. Prativadi honors the dance’s long cultural and spiritual roots. She discusses the philosophy and aesthetic theory that form the basis of every performance.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2017

About the author

Prakruti Prativadi has danced Bharatantayam since she was a young child. She has learned under internationally renowned Gurus and is the founder director of her own Bharatanatyam dance school. Her decades of research into the original Sanskrit, Tamil and Kannada texts in Bharatanatyam are reflected in her art and writings. She has presented her research at conferences raising awareness on the attacks on Bharatanatyam and more importantly, the divine Vedic metaphysical foundation of this sacred art.

Reviews

[KS Sheela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book that does a deep dive into Indian aesthetics and especially rasa. I read and re-read this book as the author expertly takes the reader on a journey explaining the philosophical foundations of rasa and abhinaya and how and why rasa is experienced during a Bharatanatyam performance. Excellent book and highly recommended!

[GT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a one of kind book that expertly and authentically delves deep into the principle of Rasa, which is the basis of all Indian art and aesthetics. The author also goes into deep details on each of the Navarasas and the bhavas associated with them. Author's years of in-depth research shows through each page as the difficult concepts like Rasa, Bhava, Abhinaya, and the core of Indian art are explored from the foundational treatise on art: the Natyashastra. This is not just for the dance student, but for the teacher, rasika, or any serious seeker who wants to understand the very root of art and Bharatanatyam. Highly recommend this book as it is the rare exception in a sea of other books on Bharatantayam or Natyashastra.

[Mira Nikk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Miss Prakrti (and readers),

I would like to say that this book is an absolute MUST READ! It clearly explains the basis of Rasa and Bhava, and I have to say that I love this dance even more now that I understand it and its origin better.
Prakrti does an amazing job with her teacher student conversation (in the book) of helping the reader understand and perhaps even answering their own questions.
I am excited to read the next book in this series. Keep writing!

Sincerely,
Mira Nikk

[Madhu Sudan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who wants a thorough understanding on Indian art and aesthetics in general and teachers and students of dance in particular. The book is structured in a question and answer format that make it an enjoyable read. Concepts that form the backbone of Indian performing arts have been clearly explained with insightful detail. Thanks to the author for explaining authentic Bharatanatyam. I am looking forward to further works from this author.

[Ramaprasad KV · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introductory book on Indian aesthetics. Particularly useful for students of Indian classical dances.

[Shraddha Nikk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Readers,

I would like to say that this book explains the true basis of Rasa. If you want to know more about Natyashastras, Bharatanatyam, Rasa, Bhava, the history of Bharatanatyam, etc. this is the perfect book for you.
Prakruti, I would like to thank you deeply for writing this book, and helping to educate the casual Indian Bharatanatyam (and other) dancers, teachers, students, etc. such as me.
The particular thing that interested me in this book while I am reading was the explanation of the Navarasas (Shringara, Hasya, Karuna, Raudhra, Bhaya, Bhibhatsa, Adhbhuta, Shanta, etc.) and their Styayi Bhavas.
I also particularly liked the dialouge with the teacher and the student, this answered many of my own questions.
Once again, Prakruti, I would like to thank you for writing this book, and by doing so, refuting the moronic scholars and teachers who say things like Bharatanatyam was created a century ago, Natyashastra is false, etc.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the book. Please keep writing, I very much look forward to reading your next book.
In short words, I am honored to read this book.
Thank you, Prakruti!

Keep writing and keep dancing!
Sincerely,
Shraddha

[Raghu Ram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Bharatanatyam enthusiast, I have been looking for a book that explains the roots. This book explains meanings behind rasas and bhavas. The tie in to the vedas was very enlightening. I am eagerly looking forward to more books from this author.

[Monisha Jegadeesan]

Quite comprehensive in terms of presenting the technical concepts.
Is more subjective towards the end and takes an interestingly conservative view against personal innovation within the dance form and the portrayal of contemporary social themes ("fads" and "isms") through Bharatanatyam (also surprised by the author's opinion that one must be a practicing Hindu to learn Bharathanatyam).

[Meera · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really brilliant and accessible introduction to Rasas for the serious Bharathanatyam dancer or any one keen on learning an aspect of classical Indian aesthetics. Admittedly, my enjoyment of the book dipped a little at the end with the author’s personal views on the validity of “-isms”, decrying them as modern fads and a very conservative view of religion, which came as a surprise. Other than this blip at the end, I would still recommend this book as a gateway to Bharata Muni’s Nāṭya Śāstra.

[Manasa Raghvan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book that explains the breathtaking infrastructure of Bharatanatyam. the teacher-student dialogue answered many of my own questions about this art. Secularization and appropriation are not frequently discussed topics so I thank this author for going into detail about these, specifically in Chapter 8 about the Devadasi-s. Looking forward to more works from this author.