A Theoretical Study of Two Ethnic Performances Tiand#7775;ayand#257;and#7789;and#7789;aand#7745; and Sarppaand#7745;tuand#7735;and#7735;al Interpretations using Dhvani Theory

Abstract

Artistic expressions and aesthetic responses are ubiquitous in human worlds. They are flexible and versatile, ranging from cave paintings to street art, oral narratives to poetic expressions, and mimes to theatre performances. Of these, some expressions are rooted in local identities and cultures, while others are free from the clutches of locale. However, a general theoretical framework unifying different kinds of aesthetic expressions remains underdeveloped. Representatively, ethnic art forms of Kerala, such as Tirand#817;ayaand#772;tand#803;tand#803;amand#775; and Sarppaand#7745;tuand#7735;and#7735;al, though popular among the masses, are yet to be brought within a satisfactory theoretical framework. Descriptive and exploratory studies on ethnic performances have focused mainly on socio-political aspects of artistic performances. In preference, and#256;nadhavardana s theory of suggestion (dhvani) provides a theoretical framework for analysing literary expressions. Could this theory be used to develop a theoretical framework for expressions in general? newline newlineThe thesis suggests the possibility of an extended dhvani theory that charts aesthetic expressions in general, in an explanatory way. It proposes a theoretical framework for symbolic expressions and challenges the claim that the scope of dhvani theory is limited to literary expressions. First, the thesis examines literary expressions and proposes additional flexibility in aesthetic expressions with suggestions when compared to literal and metaphorical expressions. Nevertheless, this suggestive potential to generate more than one meaning applies to any form of symbolic expression. To substantiate this argument about the wide applicability of dhvani theory, the thesis relies on the classification of dhvani given by and#256;nandavardhana and analyses visual expressions and ethnic performances. newline newlineThough art is ubiquitous, hinting at an aesthetic capacity unique to humans, its realisation -apprehension and appreciation of aesthetic expressions and sensibilities- is shaped and modulated by cultural and pragmatic elements.