Sangitasamayasara

Sangitasamayasara, the 12th century Sanskrit text of Pārsvadéva is dedicated to Desi Sangita (vocal, instrumental music and dance) that establishes music and dance as two separate streams. The text while briefly covering dance in two chapters. focuses mainly on vocal and instrumental music. The term Sangīta has been explained with the triad concept of gita, vadya and nṛtta. With salutation to Lord Vişņu, Sangitasamayasara covers many important musical concepts such as nada, dhvani, śārira, ālapti, sthāya, varṇa, tāļa and alamkāra etc, which makes it an important music text of all times.

The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi Kendra since its inception has made earnest efforts towards inculcating and nurturing values, deeply rooted in Indian culture, in the young impressionable minds of the Indian youth, through learning of Indian Art, languages and the rich Indian traditions. Aimed at promoting Sanskrit and Sanskriti, the Bhavan's, Delhi Kendra has taken up the challenging task of bringing forth several Sanskrit texts on music, dance and drama through the publication of Bhavan's series.

These series which have been widely acclaimed, have brought to light many aspects of Indian performing traditions of the past which are important and relevant even in the present times.

The series have so far covered important texts like the Natyaśāstra, Silappatikāram, Bṛhaddēśī, Sangitaratnākara, Sangitadarpana, Sangitapārijāta and Mānasōlläsa.

The present book is a 12th CE text, Sangitasamayasara authored by Pārsvadeva, a Jain Acarya, who was widely acclaimed for his musical knowledge and was honoured with the title Sangita-akara (ocean of music). The work throws considerable light on the musical traditions prevalent during his time while elaborately discussing the theory of instrumental and vocal music as well as dance.

I thank all the scholars who have contributed towards the publication of this Book through their research articles, which I am sure will find interesting reading for those who seek knowledge about Indian performing arts and also benefit the young research scholars in their research pursuits.