An Indian-Aesthetics Approach to Non-Representational Dance – Interpreting Nṛtta in the Frameworks of Rasa, Aucitya and Dhvani

Rasa, the aesthetic experience, stands as the highest purpose of art according to Indian Aesthetics. In this paper we explore the concept of non-representational dance or nṛtta with the aim of integrating an answerability to rasa into the structure of Bharatanāṭyam, a present-day classical dance of India. Drawing from sage Bharata’s Nāṭyaśāstra and supplemented by insights from Anandavardhana's Dhvanyālōka, the study provides a śāstric (analytical and philosophical) framework for non-representational dance (nṛtta) using three overarching canons of Indian Aesthetics – Rasa, Aucitya, and Dhvani. We present a significant advancement in the field of Indian dance aesthetics by offering a refined definition of non-representational dance or nṛtta by aligning it within the framework of the rasa sūtra (dictum on rasa). The definition is substantiated by a nuanced analysis and interpretation of Bharata’s delineation of nṛtta, and cross-examination with related concepts in the Nāṭyaśāstra. Furthermore, we explore non-representational dance within the frameworks of aucitya and dhvani, enhancing fundamental concepts established by this definition

Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans contribute to intracellular lipid accumulation in adipocytes

BACKGROUND: Transport of fatty acids within the cytosol of adipocytes and their subsequent assimilation into lipid droplets has been thoroughly investigated; however, the mechanism by which fatty acids are transported across the plasma membrane from the extracellular environment remains unclear. Since triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins represent an abundant source of fatty acids for adipocyte utilization, we have investigated the expression levels of cell surface lipoprotein receptors and their functional contributions toward intracellular lipid accumulation; these include very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDL-R), low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). RESULTS: We found that expression of these three lipoprotein receptors increased 5-fold, 2-fold, and 2.5-fold, respectively, during adipocyte differentiation. The major proteoglycans expressed by mature adipocytes are of high molecular weight (>500 kD) and contain both heparan and chondroitin sulfate moieties. Using ligand binding antagonists, we observed that HSPG, rather than VLDL-R or LRP, play a primary role in the uptake of DiI-lableled apoE-VLDL by mature adipocytes. In addition, inhibitors of HSPG maturation resulted in a significant reduction (>85%) in intracellular lipid accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that cell surface HSPG is required for fatty acid transport across the plasma membrane of adipocytes

The Maverick Maharaja - The Life and Times of Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar

Can someone find the divine in a Carnatic Kriti and a Western Symphony at once? Can one revere ancient knowledge while being fully aware of its limitations? Can a mind steeped in Advaita Vedanta seek Spinozist counterpoints? Can one’s spirit be contemporary and classical at the same time? His Highness the Maharaja of Mysore Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar’s life beautifully negotiated such paradoxes and impossibilities. Philosophy, wildlife conservation, philately, photography, music, statesmanship–all converged in his consciousness like perfectly fitting pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle. Life spoke to him in beautiful metaphors, understood by few. It is not very often that the man emerges from the shadows of his crown. That is precisely why his story has to be told