Parampara

★ Essential

Sanskrit

An unbroken line of transmission from guru to student.

ConceptBharatanatyamKuchipudiOdissiKathak

Meaning

Parampara is the succession through which an art is handed down — each generation receiving from its teacher and passing on in turn. In dance it names both the relationship and the lineage itself, and a dancer's place in a parampara is a large part of their artistic identity.

Related words

ShishyaThe student in the guru-shishya relationship.BaniA school or style of Bharatanatyam, carried down a lineage.GuruThe teacher, in a relationship closer than instruction.BhavaThe emotion the performer holds and conveys.RasaThe flavour or sentiment an audience is left tasting.ArangetramA dancer's first full solo recital before an audience.

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