 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Bhasa, who lived around the 2nd or 3rd century AD, wrote
13 plays of estimable quality, covering a wide spectrum of subject and
character. In two of the plays – Balacharita and Pancharatra – he describes the Hallisaka
dance. This was performed by boys and girls to the accompaniment of
singing, on occasions like the king’s birthday or at festivals like
Indrayajna and Dhanurmaha. (‘Traditions of Indian Classical dance,’ Mohan Khokar, 1979, Chapter ‘Down the centuries’) |
|
The sculptures of dancing Shiva, devis, dancing ganas and other
celestials filled every possible part of the temple architecture during
Chalukyan and Rashtrakuta periods from early 6th century to 10th
century. Thus, the sculptures of this period are the living testimony of
the fact that music and dance practiced in Karnataka during these
centuries adhered to the classical form of Natya Sastra in its pure
form, perfect in sculptural idiom and very expressive in content and
themes. (‘Classical dance heritage of Karnataka’ edited by Dr. Choodamani Nandagopal, chapter ‘Dance heritage of Karnataka,’ Dr. Choodamani Nandagopal, 2012) |
 |