The link between Hindu Vedas and dance forms
Subashini Pathmanathan
DANCE: Hinduism is totally based on Vedas, Puranas, Sastras,
Susthras, Epics, Mythology and Philosophy.
In all Hindu Vedas and Hindu Dhrma dance plays an important role.
Vedas are cosidered as general guidelines to all the humans leading them
towards the right path. The Natya Veda is considered as the fifth Veda
in Hinduism Lord Bhrama enacted Vedas.
The earlier Vedas are Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Saama Veda and Atharvana
Veda in Hinduism. Bhrama derived verses from Rig Veda, Abinaya from
Yajur Veda Music from Saama Veda, Rasa from Atharvana Veda. The devaloka
king Indiran felt that all the existing Vedas did not reach the common
masses. Therefore he appealed to Lord Bhrama to enact a separate Veda to
reach the common masses.
In King Indiran's kingdom dancers and musicians were employed.
According to Rig Veda even King Indiran himself was an artist and he
supported and provided full patronage to the performing dance and music
artists.
In Rig Veda, there are some beautiful references about Apsaras. The
Apsaras were considered as common divine dancers and not professional
dancers. But there are some references about Urvasi who was considered
as a professional dancer.
Hence during that time we can come to the conclusion that there were
differences between the professional dancers and the common dancers.
During that period dance was considered as a part of life. Dance was
practised at special functions, social ceremonies, occasions, religious
festivals, ritual functions and sad moments of life.
Even these dances were considered as a highly technical art form
based on rhythmic pattern and movements.
According to Natya Veda, Lord Bhrama gathered the verses from the Rig
Veda. Hence the Rig Veda played an important role than the other three
Vedas.
Yajur Veda is another important Veda in Hinduism. Lord Bhrama
gathered the Abinaya from the Yajur Veda. In this Veda there is no
reference about King Indiran. According to Yajur Veda and Rig Veda
Ashwins are the twin gods for dance and music.
During the Yajur Veda period the dancers and actors were treated as
the best members of society. They were given due respect in society.
During this period the distinction appeared between the dancers and
actors.
During the Saama Veda period there was a distinction which grew
between the classical dance form and the folk dance forms.
Whatever it is, both were very much influenced by customs, tradition,
religion and habits of the people. According to Atharvana Veda the
dancers and apsaras were the most beautiful ladies in society. |
