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Abhinaya Part 1 -- Types of Abhinaya



The word "Abhinaya" means expression. Abhinaya is the ultimate purpose of any dance performance. Done properly, it invokes Rasas in the audience. Abhinaya is a huge subject that cannot be covered in a day. Regular practice under proper guidance can help the students master Abhinaya. It is very difficult to teach Abhinaya. In fact some say, Abhinaya cannot be taught. Only the techniques can be taught and the dancer has to learn himself or herself.



There are 4 types of Abhinaya

  • Angikam : As the word "Angik" literaly means physical. Angikam Abhinay involves the physical aspect. This is performed with the help of Anga, Pratyanga and Upanga. It depends on the mudras, eyes, eyebrows etc. It basically is the body language.
  • Vachikam :  As the word "Vachik" translates to "words". This means the vocal part of the abhinaya. This includes the songs, poems, dialogues,swaras, jaatis etc set to different ragam and taalam.  This is called the lyrics or narration. 
  • Aharyam : "Aharyam" menas " Ornaments". This includes the Ornamentation, Costume and the Make up part of the dance. This has to be taken care of as per the mood of the dance or the charecter that is portrayed.
  • Satvikam : This is basically the expression of moods. some describes satvik abhinaya as " the abhinaya that comes from within".

                          Angikam BhuvanamYasa | Vachikam sarvavamayam ||
                   Aharyam Chandrataradi     |  Tam Namah: Swatvikam Shivam||


Abhinaya can also be divided into the following :

  • Lokadharmi Abhinaya : Generally speaking this is more realistic pattern of abhinay that do not follow strict guide line. Inspirations are drawn from day to day life or for that matter anything. This is more attractive as audience can associate with it. It doesnot follow a prescribed codification of hastas or body movements.
  • Natyadharmin Abhinaya : This is more of classy part of abhinaya, a pattern that is followed through ages. Ancient practices ( Style or gharana) is follwed as per the guide lines of  books like Natyashastra or Abhinayadarpana. The hand gestures, bhramari, chari, gati all are follwed precicely as described.



Author's Note :  We will soon be posting related videos on this.




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