Which of the following classical dance forms from southern India derives its textual sanction from 'Balarama Bharatam' and 'Hastalakshana Deepika'?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Kathakali.
The classical dance form Kathakali, from Kerala in southern India, derives its textual sanction from ‘Balarama Bharatam’ and ‘Hastalakshana Deepika’. These texts provide detailed guidelines on gestures, facial expressions, costumes, and the codified language of dance used in storytelling.
Kathakali is a highly stylised dance-drama that enacts stories from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas, emphasising elaborate hand gestures (mudras) and expressive facial movements (rasas) to convey emotions. The textual foundations ensure that performers maintain precision, tradition, and consistency in their portrayal of characters, making Kathakali not only an art form but also a disciplined classical performance adhering strictly to established treatises.