Learn the lingo
Photo: Shanker Chakravarty
head position Mythili Prakash with head held in sama shiras
Dance
Sthanaka bhedas: This is the term for a sub-category of mandala (described in Learn The Lingo of 20 July). The first of the sthanaka mandalas is samapaadam, with both feet on the ground. The second
is ekapaadam (one foot on the ground and one lifted so that it crosses the knee of the standing leg). Other common sthanaka mandalas include the garuda mandalam, associated with the flight of the eagle. The padmasana or lotus posture
is known according to the Abhinaya Darpana as the Brahma sthaanam, the last of the sthanaka mandalas.
Samapaadam: The basic position of the feet, with soles flat on the ground, toes together and heels together. The samapaadam position is used by the solo classical dancer even while resting or waiting between musical
passages. A more relaxed position, with the feet placed far apart, is often used to depict uncouth or bullying characters like demons or an arrogant, evil king.
Shiro bheda: Literally translated from Sanskrit as variations of the head, the shiro bhedas are positions and movements of the head. The first variation is sama shiras, in which the head is held in the conventional,
straight position. Nodding, shaking the head from side to side, rolling it, etc. are among the other shiro bhedas.
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