Abhinaya Sadanga is one of the six limbs of Indian Art, which is an integral part of Indian classical dance and drama. The word “Abhinaya” means “expression” and “Sadanga” means “six parts,” indicating the six components of Abhinaya Sadanga. It is a set of techniques used to convey emotions and stories through facial expressions, hand gestures, body movements, and vocal modulation.
Six Parts of Abhinaya Sadanga
Angika Abhinaya
It refers to the expression of emotions and feelings through bodily movements. It includes the use of hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions, and body posture to convey different emotions.
For example, in Kathakali, a classical dance form of Kerala, India, the performers use various mudras and facial expressions to depict different characters and emotions. The “Asamyuta Hasta Mudra” (single-hand gesture) and “Samyuta Hasta Mudra” (double-hand gesture) are used to convey different meanings.
Vachika Abhinaya
It refers to the expression of emotions through speech. It includes the modulation of voice, pronunciation, and diction to convey different emotions.
For example, in Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form of Tamil Nadu, India, the performers use different vocal modulations to convey different emotions like love, anger, and sorrow.
Aharya Abhinaya
It refers to the expression of emotions through costumes, makeup, and stage settings. It includes the use of costumes, jewelry, and makeup to depict different characters and emotions.
For example, in Kathak, a classical dance form of North India, the performers wear colorful costumes and jewelry that enhance the beauty and elegance of the dance.
Sattvika Abhinaya
It refers to the expression of emotions through the inner feelings of the performer. It includes the use of personal emotions and experiences to convey different emotions.
For example, in Manipuri, a classical dance form of Manipur, India, the performers use their personal experiences to convey the emotions of the character they are portraying.
Satvika Abhinaya
It refers to the expression of emotions through the use of body movements and facial expressions. It includes the use of body language to convey different emotions.
For example, in Kuchipudi, a classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh, India, the performers use their body movements and facial expressions to depict different emotions like love, anger, and joy.
Aaharya Abhinaya
It refers to the expression of emotions through the use of props and other stage settings. It includes the use of props like swords, shields, and other objects to depict different characters and emotions.
For example, in Chhau, a classical dance form of Odisha, India, the performers use various props like masks, swords, and shields to depict different characters and emotions.
Key Learnings
- Abhinaya Sadanga is an integral part of Indian classical dance and drama.
- It involves the use of different techniques to convey emotions and stories to the audience.
- The six components of Abhinaya Sadanga, namely Angika, Vachika, Aharya, Sattvika, Satvika, and Aaharya Abhinaya, are used by performers to create a mesmerizing and captivating performance that is enjoyed by audiences all over the world.
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