Many texts on music, dance and drama continued to be written in different parts of India until the 17th Century. Between the 12th and the 16th Century, regional styles emerged. Medieval texts have been discovered in all parts. One amongst these is the Srihastamuktavali belonging to the eastern tradition. While there is ambiguity in regard to its origins, text has been found in Maithili and in Assamese transcript. The author confines himself to a detailed treatment of the hastas (hand gestures). Dr. Maheswar Neog has edited and translated the text with great care, pointing out the similarities as also differences with the Natyasastra and the Sangita Ratnakara tradition. The text throws significant light on the language of the hand gestures which may have been followed in the eastern regions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maheshwar Neog
Maheswar Neog (1915-1995) is widely known as an author and scholar of extraordinary gifts and accomplishment, is the author of over 150 publications and research papers writing in authority on a number of subjects – Religion, Language and Literature, Cultural History, Epigraphy, Music, Dance and Drama, Painting etc. He has particularly covered aspects of the North-Eastern region of India fairly broadly in his writings. Some of his outstanding publication in English are: Sankardeva and His Times: Early History of the Vaisnava Faith and Movement in Assam, Religions of the North East, Bhaona – ritual play of Assam, Pracya-sasanavali, Art of Painting in Assam, Rhythm in the Vaisnava Music of Assam, Sankardeva, The Bhakti Ratnakara of Sankardeva and History of the Concept of Bhakti, Srihastamuktavali, Tradition and Style, Guru Carita Katha, Sri Sri Sankardeva, etc. Besides, quite a host of works in his own language, Assamese, brought out by National institutions and dignified publishing concerns. He was well connected with leading Indological institutions and Journals of the country and abroad Professor Neog held many important positions, including Jawaharlal Nehru Professor, Gauhati University, Saint Sankardeva Professor, Punjabi University, Professor Emeritus, Gauhati University and Fellow, Sangeet Natak Akademi.
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