Classical music and dance in India had
a well developed theoretical and practical system right from ancient times.
There has been various books and treatises on music and dance. They deal
with all facets of dance and music right from dress, make-up, background,
stage condition, voice, instruments, qualities required of artistes, teachers,
rasikas and so on. The books are called Lakshanagrandhas, lakshana meaning
aspects and grandha meaning treatise. The lakshanagrandhas provide the
basis for structural framework relating to classical music and dance. The
fact that dance and music have maintained their classicsm over the ages
is proof enough for the importance and impact of Lakshanagrandhas on the
practical aspects of dance and music.
There have been many literature
on music and dance right from vedic times. Infact the vedas are the earliest
literature available on music and dance. The Lakshanagrandhas may be classified
on the basis of period as, Vedic literature till 9th century literature.
Then from Matanga's period (9th century) to medevial 16th century. Modern
period 16th century (Purandaradasar) till the present time.
