Western Texts on Indian Dance

The book reproduces more than 250 extracts from important texts, which provide examples of how dance in India was perceived as an art, as well its position in the broader cultural, religious, social, and ethical environment.

1. Prelude: 1298-1711 2. Sightings, Viewings, Explications, and Opinions: 1770-1830 3. Writings from the Bengal Presidency: 1813-1837 4. The Decade of Encounter: 1830-1840 5. The Beginnings of the Repetitive Narrative: 1840-1850 6. Beautiful Bodies, Graceful Dances, Moral Dilemmas: 1855-1860 7. Getting to Grips with the Bayadè re: 1860-1870 8. A Royal Performance and Other Perceptions: 1870-1880 9. A Slowly Brewing Storm: 1880-1890 10. A Detour to the Ethnic Exhibitions and Shows: 1880s-1920s 11. Dancing in India in the Storm of Reform: 1890-1900 12. Loathing, Examination, Analysis, and Appreciation: 1900-1910 13. A Decade of Contradiction and Appropriation: 1910-1920 14. The Beginning of the End: 1920-1930