Answer (in 300–400 words) one out of the following two questions, wi

1.	Answer (in 300–400 words) one out of the following two questions, with relevance to the knowledge and insights gained through the study of the respective modules:(1) The module on Dance states that “Dance is either mārgī or deśī, the two categories that apply to all arts. Mārgī is the standard, formal tradition; deśi is folk, variable traditions.” Elaborate on these two categories and their interaction. Elsewhere in the textbook, have you seen another example of these two categories? (2) A text of Vṛkṣāyurveda, quoted in the module on Agriculture, states, “Ten wells are equal to one pond. Ten ponds are equal to one lake. Ten lakes are equal to one son. Ten sons are equal to one tree. … One should undertake planting of trees, since trees yield the means of attaining dharma [righteousness], artha [accumulating wealth without being greedy], kāma [procreation], and moksha [liberation], which are the four aims of life.” What messages of current relevance can we draw from this statement?
Answer» (1) Possible lines of answer: The mārgī form of Indian arts corresponds to their classical expression. It is codified, rests on a theory of aesthetics (such as the one developed in Nāṭyaśāstra), and in time integrated art forms from all over India, whether in drama, dance or music (the performing arts). The deśī tradition is not codified, freer and more spontaneous, but has influenced the mārgī form and vice versa. The same interaction can be seen in the module on painting, where classical and folk forms have existed side by side. (2) Possible lines of answer: Let us note first that a pond or lake is much more valuable than a well, as they are water harvesting devices and serve a larger number of people. But the text chiefly means that nothing is more precious than a tree — it gives shade, fodder, medicinal bark and roots, firewood, sometimes fruit, etc. This at a time when the word “afforestation” did not exist; the message for today is obvious. Finally, the association between a tree and the four aims of life brings another dimension, that of the sacredness of nature, to which some ecological thinkers are returning today.

Answer (in 300–400 words) one out of the following two questions, with relevance to the knowledge and insights gained through the study of the respective modules:(1) The module on Dance states that “Dance is either mārgī or deśī, the two categories that apply to all arts. Mārgī is the standard, formal tradition; deśi is folk, variable traditions.” Elaborate on these two categories and their interaction. Elsewhere in the textbook, have you seen another example of these two categories? (2) A text of Vṛkṣāyurveda, quoted in the module on Agriculture, states, “Ten wells are equal to one pond. Ten ponds are equal to one lake. Ten lakes are equal to one son. Ten sons are equal to one tree. … One should undertake planting of trees, since trees yield the means of attaining dharma [righteousness], artha [accumulating wealth without being greedy], kāma [procreation], and moksha [liberation], which are the four aims of life.” What messages of current relevance can we draw from this statement?

Answer»

(1) Possible lines of answer: The mārgī form of Indian arts corresponds to their classical expression. It is codified, rests on a theory of aesthetics (such as the one developed in Nāṭyaśāstra), and in time integrated art forms from all over India, whether in drama, dance or music (the performing arts). The deśī tradition is not codified, freer and more spontaneous, but has influenced the mārgī form and vice versa. The same interaction can be seen in the module on painting, where classical and folk forms have existed side by side.

(2) Possible lines of answer: Let us note first that a pond or lake is much more valuable than a well, as they are water harvesting devices and serve a larger number of people. But the text chiefly means that nothing is more precious than a tree — it gives shade, fodder, medicinal bark and roots, firewood, sometimes fruit, etc. This at a time when the word “afforestation” did not exist; the message for today is obvious. Finally, the association between a tree and the four aims of life brings another dimension, that of the sacredness of nature, to which some ecological thinkers are returning today.

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