Subject: Art & Culture

Answer:

The Tandava dance, a divine cosmic dance associated with Lord Shiva, finds extensive mentions in early Indian inscriptions, demonstrating its significance in ancient Indian cultural and religious practices. The earliest references date back to the 2nd century BCE in various epigraphic sources, revealing its evolution and importance in classical Indian dance traditions.

Notable Inscriptional Evidence

• The Gudimallam inscription (1st century BCE) from Andhra Pradesh depicts Lord Shiva in the Tandava posture, showcasing the earliest sculptural representation of this dance form.

• Elephanta Cave inscriptions (6th century CE) contain detailed descriptions of the seven types of Tandava:

  • Ananda Tandava (Dance of Bliss)
  • Sandhya Tandava (Evening Dance)
  • Tripura Tandava (Dance of the Three Cities)
  • Samhara Tandava (Dance of Destruction)
  • Urdhva Tandava (Upward Dance)
  • Gauri Tandava (Dance with Parvati)
  • Uma Tandava (Dance of Uma).

Regional Variations in Inscriptions

• The Tamil Pallava inscriptions (7th-8th century CE) at Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram, describe the ritualistic performance of Tandava during temple festivals.

• Khajuraho temple inscriptions (10th century CE) detail the incorporation of Tandava elements in classical dance forms like Kathak.

• Chola inscriptions (11th-12th century CE) at Brihadeshwara Temple mention special endowments for Tandava performances during religious ceremonies.

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Badami Cave inscriptions (6th century CE) highlight Tandava's role in:

  • Temple worship rituals
  • Religious festivals
  • Spiritual awakening
  • Cosmic balance maintenance.

• The Ellora Cave inscriptions depict the famous Nataraja form performing the cosmic dance, symbolizing:

  • Creation (Srishti)
  • Preservation (Sthiti)
  • Destruction (Samhara)
  • Concealment (Tirobhava)
  • Grace (Anugraha).

The archaeological and epigraphical evidence of Tandava dance has significantly influenced modern classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Odissi. Today, this ancient tradition continues through various classical dance schools, ensuring the preservation of this intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. The evolution of Tandava from religious practice to performing art demonstrates India's rich cultural continuum and its lasting impact on global dance traditions.