In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (natya)

Elirkkai means to “show hand gesture beautifully”, as defined in Cilappatikāram: an ancient epic authored by Ilango Adigal representing an important piece of Tamil literature.—S. V. Subramaniyan (translator of the Cilappatikāram) says that the dance master had an understanding of the sixteen kūttus from alliyam to koṭukkōṭṭi and their various inner divisions. He was talented in combining within them dance, song and rhythm. He knew the quality of pindi (single hand), pinnayal (double hand), elirkkai (to show hand gesture beautifully, dancing to rhythm) and tolirkkai (to show in action through abhinaya).

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

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Full-text: Pindi, Pinnayal, Tolirkai.

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