| Āhāryā Abhinaya in Bharatanatyam: Aesthetic Dimensions and Performative Relevance |
| Āhāryā Abhinaya, one of the four modes of expression elaborated in the Nāṭyaśāstra, occupies a vital place in the performative grammar of Bharatanatyam. More than a decorative adjunct, it operates as a powerful aesthetic medium that bridges performer, performance, and audience. Costumes, ornaments, makeup, stage properties, and scenic arrangements together constitute the visual vocabulary through which the dancer embodies character, mood, and rasa. The selection of colors, textures, and symbolic accessories is never arbitrary; rather, it emerges from deep-rooted cultural codes that have evolved over centuries. This paper examines the aesthetic dimensions and performative relevance of Āhāryā Abhinaya in Bharatanatyam, highlighting its role in enhancing rasa realization (rasānubhava), supporting character portrayal, and intensifying the theatrical impact of performance. Drawing from classical texts, contemporary practice, and lived traditions, the study situates Āhārya within both historical and modern contexts. Furthermore, it emphasizes how Bharatanatyam dancers negotiate authenticity and innovation in costume and stage design to connect with diverse audiences while preserving classical ethos. By exploring this dimension of abhinaya, the paper underscores the integral relationship between external appearance and internal expression, reaffirming that in Bharatanatyam, the aesthetic is inseparable from the spiritual and the performative.
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| Author: Ms Dhwani Bharatkumar Shah
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Submitted on : 31-Aug-2025
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Arts : India/ Classical Dance/ Bharatanatyam |
| Journal ID : 0001-101-0114
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| Views: 58/ Downloads :0 |
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