According to Abhinaya Darpan Hansi, Mayuri, Mrigi, Singhi, Turangini ..............etc. are types of :

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

In classical Indian dance texts, particularly the Abhinaya Darpan by Nandikeshwara, the concept of stylized movement and specific walks or gaits is meticulously classified and is collectively known as **Gati** (gaits) or *Charis*. Gati refers to the precise, measured ways a dancer moves across the stage, which are deliberately stylized to represent the movement of specific creatures or to convey a certain dramatic mood or character. The names listed—Hansi (Swan), Mayuri (Peacock), Mrigi (Deer), Singhi (Lioness), and Turangini (Mare/Horse)—are all prime examples of these distinct animal-inspired walks (*Pashu Gati*), each having a prescribed technique to imitate the grace, majesty, or swiftness of the animal it represents. This entire group, therefore, correctly identifies various forms of Gati, which is a fundamental aspect of *Angika Abhinaya* (bodily expression).

The incorrect option is 2 (Bhramri):
Bhramri is a technical term used in classical dance to denote a spinning or rotational movement, essentially a pirouette or turn. This movement involves the entire body revolving around its own axis, usually executed on the heel or the ball of the foot. It is a distinct category of movement that focuses on rapid rotation, making it entirely different from Gati, which describes the manner and progression of a walk. The purpose of a Bhramri is to create a dynamic visual effect through spinning, and therefore, it is not categorized by the names of animals' walks.

The incorrect option is 3 (Mandal):
A Mandal (or *Sthana* when referring to a single pose) is a term for a static, balanced posture or a specific standing pose adopted by the dancer. It defines how the dancer holds their body, feet, and legs in a stationary stance, often with geometric perfection. While Gati is about movement, Mandal is about stillness or the foundational, unmoving base of a pose. Therefore, the animal gaits like *Mayuri* or *Singhi* cannot be classified as a Mandal, as they describe a progression of steps, not a stationary pose or a formation.

The incorrect option is 4 (Utplavana):
Utplavana is a category of movements that specifically denotes leaps or jumps. It involves the dancer's body being momentarily lifted clear off the ground, characterized by a springing action from the feet. This upward, vertical movement is a distinct category of body action from Gati, which involves the continuous, measured, and often slow placement of feet along the floor in a stylized walk. Since *Hansi*, *Mrigi*, etc., are all walks, they cannot be correctly classified under the category of leaping movements.