Mysore/Mysuru: A special lecture organised jointly by Dr. Vijayalakshmi Basavaraj Charitable Society and the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) was held at the Seminar Hall, Knowledge Park, AIISH in the city on Aug.2.

On this occasion, Prof. Rohitha Eswer from the Department of Ancient History, Archaeology and Museology, Maharaja’s College, delivered an engaging lecture on the topic “Dance and Music Reflected in Hoysala Sculptures.”

Prof. Eswer, an expert in Bharatanatyam and Kathak, elaborated on the Hoysala dynasty’s sculpture and its cultural significance, which flourished between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Dance Sculptures

The madanikas (celestial maidens) of Chennakeshava Temple, Belur, are exquisite examples of Hoysala dance sculptures, beautifully reflecting the poses and gestures (karanas and mudras) described in the Natya Shastra.

Skill of Depicting Motion

The Hoysala sculptors were masters at capturing movement, expressions and the rhythm of dance in stone, creating an illusion of life and fluidity that is rarely found.

Representation of Music

Sculptures depict figures playing instruments like veena, mridanga, flute, conch and cymbals. In some carvings, dancers are accompanied by singers and instrumentalists, reflecting the group dance and music performances offered in temple rituals of that era.

Cultural Significance

Hoysala sculptures are not merely decorative, they are living records of the religious, historical and artistic life of their period, as highlighted in the lecture.

As part of the Public Lecture Series, Prof. M. Pushpavathi, Director of AIISH, delivered the welcome address and remembered Dr. Vijayalakshmi Basavaraj, the former Director of the Institute.

Prominent theatre personalities of Mysuru such as Prof. H.S. Umesh, Rameshwari Varma, Indira Nair, Rathna Mirle, Prof. Rangaraju, Niranthara’s Directors Srinivasa Palahalli and Kemparaju, Prof. K.C. Basavaraju, journalists Onkar, Ravish, Dhananjay, along with members of Dr. Vijayalakshmi Basavaraj’s family were present.