Shringara in Classical Indian Dance

edited by Sharon Lowen 

Shringara, Sringara, Śṛṅgāra, Sringar (love) is the dominant rasa, or aesthetic flavor, that has been interpreted in literature, philosophy, the visual and performing arts. The concept of communicating unselfish, unconditional spiritual love through the metaphors of mundane human love is intrinsic to Indian aesthetic and philosophical traditions. The chapters of this book offer insights into both the shared and unique understanding and performance of shringara in various classical Indian dance traditions. ‘Nritya Kalanidhi’ Guru Lakshmi Vishwanathan kindly contributed an introductory overview of Śṛṅgāra in Nāṭya (communicative dance) to contextualize the focus then enlarged upon within specific genres. Performing artist /scholars of seven of India’s classical dance traditions share the history and development of interpreting Sringara in Bharatanayam, Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, Mohiniattam, Sattriya, Kathak and Odissi, by respectively, Kamalini Dutt, Anuradha Jonnalagadda, Anupama Kylash, Bharati Shivaji, Anwesa Mahanta, Shovana Narayan and Editor Sharon Lowen. 

Speakers : Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Scholar, Cultural Activist, Guru & Choreographer; Sh. Kumar Tuhin, DG ICCR & Former Ambassador to Hungary; Dr. Shovana Narayan, Educationist, Choreographer, Kathak Guru and Vidushi Sharon Lowen, Performing Artist, Guru, Write &  Editor of the book

Chair : Dr. Karan Singh

Performance by :

Nitisha Nanda
Vishwanathan Mangaraj