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MAINS 2013
GS1
5 marks

Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.

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4 min
100 words
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What the examiner wants

Discuss how Shiva's Tandava is recorded in early inscriptions, texts and temple sculpture.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Meaning: vigorous cosmic dance of Shiva (creation, preservation, destruction), contrasted with the gentle lasya≈15 words
  2. 2Textual base: Natyashastra links Tandava to Tandu; 108 karanas (dance units) defined there≈15 words
  3. 3Epigraphic and sculptural record: Chidambaram gopuram panels of 108 karanas labelled with Natyashastra verses; karana reliefs at Thanjavur; early Nataraja reliefs at Badami and Ellora≈15 words
  4. 4Tamil tradition: Silappadikaram describes Shiva's kodukotti dance after burning Tripura≈15 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Define TandavaTextual basisInscriptional and sculptural evidence by regionSignificance for dance history

Where marks usually go

  • Writing only about Bharatanatyam today instead of early records
  • Ignoring the inscribed labels that link sculpture to the Natyashastra

Draw this

  • Timeline: Natyashastra → Badami/Ellora reliefs → Chola Nataraja bronzes → Chidambaram karana panels

Value addition

  • ExampleThe Chidambaram Nataraja temple gopurams carry 108 karana poses, each labelled with the matching Natyashastra verse.Chidambaram temple, Chola period
  • TextSilappadikaram lists Shiva's kodukotti dance among eleven classical dances.Silappadikaram, Ilango Adigal

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