Previous   Next
Home » Images » 0006 Pictures From History » CPA0002844

India: from the Natya Shastra, Kalahantarita is a heroine separated from her lover due to a quarrel or jealousy or perhaps her own arrogance.

India: from the Natya Shastra, Kalahantarita is a heroine separated from her lover due to a quarrel or jealousy or perhaps her own arrogance.

The Ashta-Nayika is a collective name for eight types of nayikas or heroines as classified by Bharata in his Sanskrit treatise on performing arts, the Natya Shastra. The eight nayikas represent eight different states (avastha) in relationship to her hero or nayaka. As archetypal states of the romantic heroine, it has long been used as theme in Indian painting, literature, sculpture as well as Indian classical dance.

Quick links to other images in this gallery: