This monograph presents scholarly exposition of the Apsara myth and its evolutionthrough centuries. Mentioned for the first time in the Rig Veda Apsaras find mention inIndian scriptures, epics, Puranas, dramas, poetry and numerous literary works. As a creationof ancient water cosmology she is described as a exceedingly beautiful and charmingperson adept in dancing, singing as well as art of seduction and amorous sports. Themonograph speaks of her profound influence on Indian art which is particularly visibleon the magnifient medieval temples in the form of female sculptures of immense beautyfamous all over the world. Written in lucid style the book reveals the story of Indian waternymph, the Apsara, in its infinite variety.

Indian Literature Abounds In A Variety Of Myths And Legends Narrating Allegorical/Historical Stories With Moral Teachings Where Celestial Or Semi-Celestial Beings, In Particular The Apsarases, Occupy An Important Place. The Work Examines The Origin And Development Of The Institution Of Apsarases And Their Characteristics As Described In The Vast Corpus Of Vedic, Epic-Puranic And Classical Works, With A Thorough Study Of The Depiction Of The Legend Of The Urvasi And Pururavas.

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This book on Apsaras in Hoysala art with particular reference to the Belur Chennakesava temple is dealt in two parts, viewing apsara as a dancer and a philosopher. Part one is about the dance of apsara, while part two is about the psychological states of awareness levels that are depicted. It is like exploring the external and the internal world of apsaras. Part I deals with the apsara`s skills in dance and dramaturgy, precisely a study of the depiction of Rasas - the sentiments in sculptures, that are viewed through the medium of Natyasastra and Dasarupaka - a treatise on Indian dance, music and dramaturgy. Part I is a study of the superficial aspects like the theme, the posture, the accessories used, the actions of the attendants and so on. Apsaras are viewed as dancers, who deserve to be elevated to the status of permanent guides for the aspect of rasas.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

In this award-winning novel, Tharoor has masterfully recast the two-thousand-year-old epic, The Mahabharata, with fictional but highly recognizable events and characters from twentieth-century Indian politics. Nothing is sacred in this deliciously irreverent, witty, and deeply intelligent retelling of modern Indian history and the ancient Indian epic The Mahabharata. Alternately outrageous and instructive, hilarious and moving, it is a dazzling tapestry of prose and verse that satirically, but also poignantly, chronicles the struggle for Indian freedom and independence.