Brahmavidya : Indian Arts, Culture and Academics

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Samskṛta Nāṭyam

Indian classical dance is not merely a performing art. It is a living knowledge system deeply rooted in Sanskrit śāstra traditions. Its strength lies in the seamless union of Lakṣaṇa (theory) and Lakṣya (practice), where understanding gives depth to expression, and performance gives life to knowledge.

The Samskṛta Nāṭyam program is designed to restore this sacred balance. Through a graded structure, learners are guided into systematic study of classical treatises, Sanskrit foundations, and authentic performance techniques. The course nurtures dancers who move with clarity, awareness, and cultural rootedness.

Curated and delivered by senior scholars and practitioners deeply grounded in the guru–śiṣya paramparā, this program offers a rare opportunity to study classical dance as an integrated discipline rather than a fragmented skill.

Learners develop not only technical excellence but also a refined artistic vision shaped by śāstra, tradition, and lived practice.

The courses are set in Four Levels each level treated as an independent Short-term course.

We recommend students to take these courses sequentially for a comprehensive learning experience though students can choose to enter at any level depending on their proficiency.

Choose your course

Samskṛta Nāṭyam

Samskṛta Nāṭyam offers a structured pathway to understand Bharatanatyam as a śāstra-based art form. Drawing deeply from classical treatises and the Mysore tradition, the program trains dancers to integrate textual wisdom with refined performance practice.

An Overview of the courses

Lakṣaṇa (Theory) Section

  • Introduction to basic samskrta language
  • An orientation into the Study of Nāṭya Śāstra Granthas
  • Study of select Nāṭya Śāstra Granthas in graded manner appropriate to the Level of the course
    • Nāṭya Śāstra of Bharatamuni
    • Works of Abhinavaguptācārya and Abhinavabhārati
    • Concept of Rasa
    • Saṅgīṭarātnākara of Śārṅgadeva
    • Kallinātha’s Kalānidhi
    • Bharatārṇava of Nandikēśvara
    • Nartana Nirṇaya
    • Learning to chant select shlokas
    • Texts from three eras: Pracīna (Ancient), Madhya (Medieval) and Ādhunika (Modern) yuga in Bhārtīya saṅgīta śāstra are introduced in a graded manner across the four levels to create a foundational understanding of these Śāstra Granthas.

Lakṣya (Performance) Section

The following aspects are taught in a graded manner across the four levels:

  • Nāṭya basics & Tala basics
  • Aṅgabhayasa
  • Nṛtta hastas
  • Hasta viniyoga, Hasta Karaṇas
  • Bhūmi, ākāṣa cāri
  • Nrtta Karaṇas
  • Nṛtta & Nṛtya compositions
  • Nāṭya compositions
  • A Feature choreography
  • Special items based and choreographed as per the treatises studied