Western Texts on Indian Dance: An Illustrated Guide from 1298 to 1930

This unique work is an annotated collection and collation of Western writing on Indian dance from Marco Polos travels to 1930, providing examples of how dance was perceived as an art and its position in the broader cultural, religious, social, and ethical environment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 548 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2022
Publisher: Jenny Stanford Publishing

This remarkable work is an extensive annotated compilation and consolidation of Western writings on Indian dance, spanning from the era of Marco Polo's travels to India to the introduction of the anti-devadasi bill in 1930, and even a bit beyond. The book features over 250 excerpts from significant texts, offering illustrative examples of how dance was regarded as an art form in India and its place within the broader cultural, religious, social, and ethical milieu. While certain excerpts from these texts have been referenced in other accounts of Indian dance history, there exists no other readily accessible work that reproduces such a substantial collection of historical writings on Indian dance and contextualizes them within a seamless historical framework.

The book's organization is structured in a manner that facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It begins by providing a historical overview of Western perceptions of Indian dance, tracing the evolution of these views from the early encounters of European explorers with Indian dance to the more nuanced and scholarly interpretations of the 20th century. This introductory chapter establishes the context for the subsequent chapters, which delve into specific aspects of Indian dance and its cultural significance.

One of the key strengths of this work is its extensive coverage of historical texts. The book reproduces extracts from a wide range of sources, including travelogues, memoirs, academic studies, and government reports. These excerpts provide a firsthand account of the experiences of Western observers and scholars who have studied Indian dance. They offer valuable insights into the cultural practices, beliefs, and values associated with dance in different periods and regions of India.

Moreover, the book's annotations provide detailed explanations and contextualization for each excerpt. The authors have carefully selected and organized the material to ensure that it is accessible to a broad audience, including students, scholars, and enthusiasts of Indian dance. They have provided footnotes, references, and an extensive bibliography to facilitate further research and exploration of the subject matter.

In addition to its historical content, the book also explores the social and cultural implications of Indian dance. It examines how dance has been used as a means of expressing cultural identity, promoting social harmony, and challenging social norms and hierarchies. The authors discuss the role of dance in religious ceremonies, festivals, and everyday life, and how it has evolved over time to reflect changing societal attitudes and values.

Another notable aspect of this work is its attention to the diversity of Indian dance forms. The book includes excerpts from various regional and traditional dance styles, such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, and Odissi. Each dance style is presented in its own context, with an explanation of its historical development, stylistic characteristics, and cultural significance. This diversity showcases the richness and complexity of Indian dance and its ability to adapt to changing social and cultural contexts.

Overall, this unique work is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the study of Indian dance. It provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of Western writings on Indian dance, spanning a significant period of time and covering a wide range of topics. The book's extensive excerpts, annotations, and bibliography make it an essential tool for students, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of Indian dance.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789814968393