’ 
Vol. V, No. 9.] The Origin of Indian Drama 355 
[N.8.] 
second with blue, the third with yellow, the fourth with red 
and the fifth with cloth of variegated colours. 
It has been already explained that the dramatic plays 
began with the raising of the flagstaff 
of Indra after the conquest of Asuras. 
After the completion of the theatre-building Bharata asked 
Brahma what play to enact. The order was Amrta-Mathana, 
The first Dramas. 
was enacted before him in the Himalayas. Siva was very much 
pleased, and he suggested an improvement, to include dancing 
e 
After the destruction of the sacrifice of Daksa, Siva in the 
evening danced with various gesticula- 
tions to the tune of music. Siva as- 
sumed any posture, and in this matter imitated all the principal 
gods. These postures were known as Pindibandha. 
__ The position of the hands, of the feet, of the waist, of the 
sides, of the thighs, of the belly, of the back, and of the chest 
is necessary in a dance. Sometimes they have slow motion 
and sometimes quick motion. These movements are called the 
matrka or the mothers of dance. A combination of three or 
The beginning of Dance. 
binations of these actions are called w¥ett or gesticulation. 
T irty-two of such gesticulations are enumerated. our 
different ways are enumerated for gracefully putting a stop to 
dancing. They are called Recakas. All these Recakas, Anga- 
Delighted with the performance of the drama Tripura- 
Introducti Danc- : 
ng in Thekteesi oeeriae part the knowledge of dancing to Bha- 
ition of the 
Parv. struments. (2) The posi 
hlidneriec pe the pee: musicians among themselves. (3) The 
“gs beginning of songs. (4) Examining 
musical instruments. (5) Setting musical instruments to voc 
Music. (6) Setting stringed instruments to vocal music. 
