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<p>Bharata Na_tyam as currently practiced is one of the major classical dance forms in existence. Its rich repertory of poetical texts; its highly developed vocabulary of expressive gestures; its intricate syntax of pure dance patterns; its music displaying a wealth of complex rhythms and melodies; its sumptuous costumes – all make it one of the most sophisticated dance traditions in the world. When performed by an accomplished dancer and fine musicians it affords aesthetic experience of the highest order. It is rapidly becoming known and appreciated all over the world as it indeed deserves to be. In this volume five scholars – inspired by the magnificent dance performances of the renowned exponent of the Pandanallur style of Bharata Na_tyam Padma Sri Alarmel Valli – have contributed to an interdisciplinary understanding of this great living art form. Disciplines represented include philosophy humanistic studies dance ethnology ethnomusicology art history and comparative historiography. In Chapters I and II Professor Kliger traces the history of classical dance in the Tamil region in its religous social and political contexts and explores Indian aesthetic concepts and their exemplification in Bharata Na_tyam as a classical dance form. Chapter III by Professor Van Zile provides a formal analysis of two basic units of abstract dance movement frequently employed in Bharata Na_tyam. In Chapter IV Professor Kagan examines the form and content of each item in a typical Bharata Na_tyam recital. Chapter V by Professor Rabe explores the complex interrelations of dance and sculpture in India focusing on examples in the Tamil region the home of Bharata Na_tyam. In Chapter VI Professor Kopf traces four historical perspectives on the female temple dancers known as Devadasis. About the Author Professor George Kliger earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota in 1967 where he has since been teaching interdisciplinary humanities courses. His researches have focused on classical Hinduism from the Guptas to the thirteenth century and the aesthetics of the Na_tyasastra Anandavardhana and Abhinavagupta. During his frequent visits in India he has studied Hindu temple sculpture and Indian classical dance traditions.</p>
