TajWagstaff at 20:46, 18 February 2026

2026-02-18T20:46:32Z

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[[File:Mohiniattam-indian classical dance- Kerala.jpg|thumb|The Mohiniyattam of Kerala is an example of the Lasya dance]]
[[File:Flickr - dalbera - Bimbavati Devi (Manipuri) (2).jpg|thumb|Nupi Challi Pareng (basic feminine movement) ''Lasya'' forms important part of Manipuri dance.]]

{{Short description|Sanskrit term for a female dance}}
'''Lasya '''({{Langx|sa|लास्य|translit=Lāsya}}) is a female dance form that originated in [[India]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Arnold |first=Alison |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hh03DwAAQBAJ&dq=L%C4%81sya+female+dance&pg=PT749 |title=The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: South Asia: The Indian Subcontinent |date=2017-09-25 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-351-54438-2 |pages=749 |language=en}}</ref> In [[Hindu mythology]], Lasya refers to the dance innovated and performed by the goddess [[Parvati]], described to be gentle and graceful.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bose |first=Mandakranta |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JS_pCAAAQBAJ&dq=L%C4%81sya+female+dance&pg=PA152 |title=Movement and Mimesis: The Idea of Dance in the Sanskritic Tradition |date=2012-12-06 |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |isbn=978-94-011-3594-8 |pages=152 |language=en}}</ref> Described in the [[Natya Shastra]], the feminine Lasya danced by Parvati is contrasted by the masculine [[Tandava]] dance of her consort, [[Shiva]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Masson-Ousel |first1=P. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UQtTAQAAQBAJ&dq=L%C4%81sya+Parvati&pg=PT375 |title=Ancient India and Indian Civilization |last2=Stern |first2=P. |last3=Willman-Grabowska |first3=H. |date=2013-10-11 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-20072-4 |pages=375 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ganguly |first=Anil Baran |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dw7NhcImr1oC&pg=PA78 |title=Fine Arts in Ancient India |date=1979 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |pages=78 |language=en}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The term ''lāsya'' is derived from the root ‘''las''’ meaning to play or to frolic. It is also translated as lively.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Subramuniya (Master.) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LK94EAAAQBAJ&dq=L%C4%81sya+female+dance&pg=PT368 |title=How to Become a Hindu: A Guide for Seekers and Born Hindus |date=2000 |publisher=Himalayan Academy Publications |isbn=978-0-945497-82-0 |pages=368 |language=en}}</ref>

== Legend ==
According to legend, the Lasya was taught by Parvati to [[Uṣā|Usha]], the daughter of [[Banasura]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Vatsyayan |first=Kapila |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gtuSDwAAQBAJ&dq=lasya+usha&pg=PT40 |title=INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE |date=1974 |publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting |isbn=978-81-230-2957-3 |pages=40 |language=en}}</ref> Usha, in turn, is regarded to have taught the dance to the milkmaids known as the [[Gopi|gopikas]], who are believed to have spread the technique to women throughout the land.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Shivaji |first1=Bharati |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jpxbZZVGNxUC&pg=PA6 |title=The Art of Mohiniyāttam |last2=Pasricha |first2=Avinash |date=1986 |publisher=Lancer Publishers |isbn=978-81-7062-003-7 |pages=6 |language=en}}</ref>

== Description ==
Described as the prototype of all female dancing, the Lasya is danced in a variety of forms, most of which comprise the small and seductive motions of the feet. Some forms of the Lasya consist of the rapid succession of minor steps, regarded to be erotic. During the performance of the dance, the feet are kept parallel and close to one another, each foot following the other with precision in time. An example of this dance is the [[Mohiniyattam]] of [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Walker |first=Benjamin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_J2RDwAAQBAJ&dq=L%C4%81sya+dance&pg=PT304 |title=Hindu World: An Encyclopedic Survey of Hinduism. In Two Volumes. Volume I A-L |date=2019-04-09 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-429-62421-6 |pages=304 |language=en}}</ref>

There are described to be four forms of the Lasya: Srinkhala, Lata, Pindi, and Bhedyaka.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bhagyalekshmy |first=S |title=Approach to Bharatanatyam |pages=5}}</ref>

Professor [[Inayat Khan]] in his book ''Munqar Musicar'' (1912) wrote: "Women and men both perform this dance and there are a number of recognized masters ([[ustad]]) of it in India. Lasya is accompanied by two sarangi players and a tabid, and sometimes a [[manjira]] (small Indian cymbals). It is danced by one woman, or by two together".<ref>Hazrat Inayat Khan. «The Minqar-i Musiqar: Hazrat Inayat Khan's Classic 1912 Work on Indian Musical Theory and Practice». Omega Publications. 2016 ({{ISBN|1941810187}})</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Dance in India}}

[[Category:Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Hindu music]]
[[Category:Dances of India]]

Lasya - Revision history

TajWagstaff at 20:46, 18 February 2026