Karnas by Dr Padma Subhramanyam - Book
Karanas Padma Subrahmanyam R. Padma Subrahmanyam is a great classical dancer. She is also good at many other things. She knows a lot about: Music (Carnatic, Hindustani, and Western) Literature...
Karanas Padma Subrahmanyam
R. Padma Subrahmanyam is a great classical dancer. She is also good at many other things.
She knows a lot about:
- Music (Carnatic, Hindustani, and Western)
- Literature (Sanskrit and Tamil)
- Sculpture
- Architecture
- Epigraphy
- History
- Cinematography
She is a fantastic performer. She is also a choreographer, teacher, and researcher of Bharata's art.
She is skilled in nritta, sukumara, and uddhata styles. Her rasabhinayam is captivating.
It appeals to everyone, from experts to beginners. Her music is unique and makes the dance grand.
She is also a serious scholar. She studies theatrical arts in Indian culture.
She understands our heritage well. This helps us understand Indian culture and Bharata's art better.
Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam is known for the Karanas. These are basic dance units of Bharateeya Natyam.
Some people have studied this before. But Dr. Padma completely rebuilt all 108 Karanas.
She included all the technical details. This includes Sthanaka-Nrttahasta-Chari and rechaka.
She did this in both theory and practice. To argue with her, you need to use her discoveries.
Dr. Padma started her research in the 1960s. She finished her thesis in 1978.
Her work was waiting to be published. She added new things after finding karana-sculptures in Prambanan.
Karanas – Common Dance Codes of India and Indonesia is her research. It also includes the new additions.
Nrityodaya published it in three volumes. This is Dr. Padma's dance school. It is a gift for the school's platinum jubilee.
It also celebrates Dr. Padma's golden jubilee in dance. The Tamil Nadu government helped pay for it.
The Southern Regional Centre of IGNCA received the first copy. Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi released it.
This was on July 1, 2003.
The book has seventeen chapters in two volumes. The third volume has color pictures.
It shows karana sculptures from different places. This includes Tanjavur, Kumbhakonam, and Chidambaram.
It also shows Prambanan and Satara. Sri Muttaiah Sthapathi created the 108 karanas of Satara.
He did this with Dr. Padma's help. He also had blessings from Sri Paramacharya of Kanchi.
The karana sculptures are special. They show both Siva and Parvathi.
Siva has four arms that show the action. This is in every karana. There are also photos of Dr. Padma doing the Karanas.
You can see how much effort she puts in. She brings out the spirit of each karana.
The first volume is about the history and myths of Natyasastra. Dr. Padma compares different desi natya traditions.
She shows how they are related to the Indian marga tradition. This is in Bharata.
She also traces the history of the Karanas. She explains their origin and spread.
She studies the Karanas in architecture. She focuses on sculptures from different places.
This includes Tanjavur, Kumbhakonam, and Chidambaram. It also includes Tiruvannamalai and Vriddhachalam.
Satara and Prambanan are also included. Dr. Padma has a chapter on Natyasastra in Tamil. This is interesting.
It clears up wrong ideas about race. It gives information about classical dance from long ago.
The second volume is about how to do the 108 Karanas. Bharata explained these, and Abhinavagupta added to them.
Dr. Padma uses Abhinavabharati. She also uses other sources like Sangeetharathanakara.
She gives details about the basics. This includes Anga-Upanga-Pratyanga movements.
She also explains Sthanas, Charis, Nritta hastas, and Rechita (Rechaka)s. Then she explains each karana.
She uses lakshana sloka from Natyasastra. She explains their meaning using Abhinavabharati.
She uses karana sculptures to help. She explains how to do the Karanas practically.
This is important for performers. Dr. Padma's mind is artistic and analytical. She understands theory and practice.
She also coordinates body, mind, and soul. She explains the uses of each karana.
She comments on how hard it is to do this. She has a chapter on rechakas.
These are important for Bharata's Natya. They show the beauty and creativity of it.
She shows how to use Karanas in Anguharas, Mandalas, and Pindibandhas. She explains choreographic elements.
She shows how nritta has rasa and bhava. Some people think it doesn't. She proves them wrong.
Before Dr. Padma's work, Karanas were forgotten. They had been forgotten for six centuries.
They were mentioned in some places, but changed. This book brings them back for study.
It helps people use and appreciate them. This is why Dr. Padma's work is important.
She is like Abhinavagupta from the past. The world is thankful to Dr. Padma.
We hope for a cheaper version of this book. We also want a CD showing all 108 karanas.
Item Details
| Format | Physical CD / Book |
| Language | Tamil / Sanskrit / English |
| Genre | Classical Dance Music |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What aspects of Karnas are covered in 'Karnas by Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam'?
A: This book delves into the historical, sculptural, and practical dimensions of the 108 Karnas as depicted in the Natya Shastra. It explores their origins, variations across temple sculptures, and provides insights into their application within Bharatanatyam and other classical dance forms.
Q: How can this book aid a Bharatanatyam dancer preparing for their Arangetram?
A: 'Karnas by Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam' offers a comprehensive understanding of the Karnas, which are fundamental movement units. Studying this book can enrich a dancer's repertoire, improve their understanding of adavus, and add depth to their choreography, enhancing their Arangetram performance.
Q: Does the book include visual aids or practical guidance for learning the Karnas?
A: Yes, the book contains illustrations and photographs of Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam demonstrating the Karnas. While not a substitute for a guru, it serves as a valuable visual reference for understanding the correct body placements, hasta mudras, and leg positions (such as Aramandi) required for each Karna.
Q: Is this book suitable for dancers of all levels, or is it primarily intended for advanced practitioners?
A: While beneficial for dancers of all levels, 'Karnas by Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam' is particularly valuable for intermediate to advanced students and teachers. A foundational understanding of Bharatanatyam terminology and basic adavus is recommended to fully appreciate the nuances and complexities presented in the book.