In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

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

Varikkūttu refers to eight kind of dances are mentioned in the Venirkkāṭai which is a chapter of the Cilappatikāram: an ancient epic authored by Ilango Adigal representing an important piece of Tamil literature.—The eighth canto of Venirkkāṭai describes the envakai-varikal (eight kinds of dancing). Vari means acting. It depicts the nature of the land each one was born in and the profession according to their birth. This vari is of eight types. They are also classified as the eight varikkūttu of the dramatic features. Separated from Kovalan, Madavi sends through her friend a letter calling him back. Kovalan thinks of the eight types of varikkūttu she once danced. It is known from Cilappatikāram that Madavi had danced these eight varikkūttu, following their context, in front of Kovalan. But the complete dance features of these eight vari are not known. Yet, it is believed that these dances had been performed with music and rhythm and full of expressions in order to appease Kovalan’s anger.

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).

Languages of India and abroad

Tamil dictionary

Source: DDSA: University of Madras: Tamil Lexicon

Varikkūttu (வரிக்கூத்து) [vari-kūttu] noun < idem. +. A kind of masquerade dance; கூத்துவகை. [kuthuvagai.] (சிலப்பதிகாரம் அரும்பதவுரை [silappathigaram arumbathavurai] 3, 24, உரை. [urai.])

context information

Tamil is an ancient language of India from the Dravidian family spoken by roughly 250 million people mainly in southern India and Sri Lanka.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Vari, Kuttu.

Query error!

Full-text: Perumpilukkai, Vamanarupam, Kantanpattu, Kunattam, Vari, Takuniccam, Irulan, Kavuci, Korri, Varinul, Catatari, Urala, Palakai, Cittu, Cintu.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Varikkuttu, Vari-kuttu, Vari-kūttu, Varikkoothu, Varikkuthu, Varikkūttu; (plurals include: Varikkuttus, kuttus, kūttus, Varikkoothus, Varikkuthus, Varikkūttus). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Religion and Philosophy of Tevaram (Thevaram) (by M. A. Dorai Rangaswamy)

Chapter 4.3 - (d) Technical terms used by Arurar in relation to Dance and Music < [Volume 2 - Nampi Arurar and Mythology]

show preview