The renowned dance scholar and critic, Sunil Kothari, recently passed away at the ripe age of 87. Known for his profound understanding and critiques on Indian classical dances, Kothari had left an indelible mark in the world of performing arts. His influential works, spanning over 20 books on various Indian classical dance forms, established him as a trusted and well-respected figure in this domain. In recognition of his significant contributions, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 2001.
Sunil Kothari’s Major Works and Recognition
Kothari’s meticulous writing on Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Manipuri dance forms reflected his deep appreciation and comprehension of these traditional arts. Among his extensive scholarly works, “Sattriya: Classical Dance of Assam” garnered widespread attention, both nationally and globally, for providing a greater understanding of this unique dance form from Assam. His other notable contributions include “New Directions in Indian Dance” and “Kuchipudi Indian Classical Dance Art”. Acknowledging his scholarly acumen, Kothari was elected as a Fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi, the national academy for music, dance, and drama in India.
Exploring Indian Classical Dances
Indian classical dance encompasses two basic aspects: Tandava, denoting movement and rhythm, and Lasya, implying grace, bhava (emotion), and rasa (sentiment). The three key components driving these dances are Natya, the dramatic narrative; Nritta, comprising basic dance movements; and Nritya, the expressive part comprising mudras or gestures. These dances aim to depict nine rasas or sentiments: Love, Heroism, Pathos, Humour, Anger, Fear, Disgust, Wonder, and Peace.
The Natya Shastra written by Bharat Muni remains a crucial source for establishing the attributes of these dances. India boasts eight classical dance forms, each associated with a distinct geographical region: Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (North India), Kathakali and Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Sattriya (Assam), and Manipuri (Manipur). These contemporary classical dances have traces of the musical play or sangeet-nataka performed from the 12th to the 19th century.
Sangeet Natak Akademi: India’s National Academy for Music, Dance, and Drama
Initiated through a resolution by the Ministry of Education (formerly the Ministry of Human Resource Development), Government of India, in 1952, Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s national academy dedicated to music, dance, and drama. The academy, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, receives government funds for its various schemes and programmes. The Akademi plays a significant role in establishing and managing institutions and projects related to the performing arts of national importance. Noteworthy among these are the National School of Drama, New Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal, and Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, among others. National Projects of Support to Kutiyattam—the Sanskrit theatre of Kerala—Chhau dances of Eastern India, and Sattriya traditions of Assam also fall under its administration.
