Rasas in Bharatanatyam: First in a Series on Indian Aesthetics and Bharatanatyam

I ended up reading this book multiple times. The work is an outcome of several years of research and a first-person experience of living the tradition. The book will surely resonate with the serious reader. The author states that the book is aimed at the serious Bharatanatyam artist and connoisseur, and is also beneficial to those who want to learn more about Indic art traditions. An in-depth discussion of various elements of Bharatanatyam including Abhinaya, Rasa, and Bhava is provided. The book also presents a brief and well-researched history of Bharatanatyam and related traditions in Hinduism, a topic which has endured much distortion and confusion in recent years. Prakruti Prativadi takes us on a fascinating journey through the Rasa awakening process in Bharatanatyam. The idea of Rasa is ancient and present in the Upanishads. The author goes deep into the ancient roots of natya, and succinctly explains the concepts relying on primary sources in Sanskrit and Indic languages. The clarity and authority required to write in a crisp question-answer format, the shraddha, the attention to technical detail, and the reinforcement of key learning points give the book a stamp of authenticity that perhaps only a dedicated practitioner can produce. Highly recommend for students and teachers of Bharatanatyam, and those interested in learning more about dharma thought systems.

Great Job Prakruthi!!~Pawan, Usha, Rishi, Priya

This book is just what I am looking for as a retired engineer, budding Sanskrit scholar and Bharatanatyam dance student. Thank you very much. I cannot put this book down as I read and re-read it!