Abhinaya Darpana

Sanskrit

The 'Mirror of Gesture' — the practical manual of expression.

ConceptBharatanatyamKuchipudiOdissiKathak

Meaning

Attributed to Nandikeshvara, the Abhinaya Darpana is a compact treatise concentrating on gesture: the hastas, head, eye and neck movements and their usage. It is the text most directly consulted in teaching mudras, and shorter and more practical than the Natyashastra.

Also written: abhinayadarpana, abhinaya darpanam

Related words

NatyashastraThe foundational treatise on Indian performing arts.ParamparaAn unbroken line of transmission from guru to student.BhavaThe emotion the performer holds and conveys.BaniA school or style of Bharatanatyam, carried down a lineage.ShishyaThe student in the guru-shishya relationship.GuruThe teacher, in a relationship closer than instruction.

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