Research & Reconstruction

Śāstric inquiry into the Nāṭyaśāstra, 108 Karaṇas, Gandharva Music, and Sanskrit Dramaturgy

Research at Chidakash Kalalay is not an academic exercise conducted in isolation—it is an embodied investigation where textual analysis of classical Sanskrit treatises directly informs physical sādhana, musical reconstruction, and stage performance.

Pillars of Research

Reconstruction of 108 Karaṇas

Rigorous physical and textual decoding of the 108 karaṇas (composite units of movement) described in Chapter 4 of the Nāṭyaśāstra, integrating maṇḍala (postures), cārī (gait), and nṛtta-hasta (hand gestures).

II.

Gandharva Sangeet Revival

Acoustic and musicological research into ancient modal systems (jātis, grāmas, and mūrchanās), reviving the microtonal vocal traditions documented in Bharata's musical chapters.

III.

Ātodya Instrument Crafting

Physical reconstruction of extinct classical instruments, including stringed veenas (Mattakokilā, Chitra, Vipanchi) and clay percussion (Tripushkara), restoring their original acoustic resonances.

IV.

Sanskrit Dramaturgy & Bhāsa

Dramaturgical research into classical playwriting traditions, analyzing the dramatic structures of Bhāsa, Kālidāsa, and Bhaṭṭa Nārāyaṇa for contemporary Mārga Nāṭya staging.

Monographs & Research Archives

Reconstructing the 108 Karaṇas: A Physical and Textual Synthesis

Piyal Bhattacharya & Disciples (2022)

An extensive monograph detailing the practical methodology for reconstructing Bharata's 108 movement units from textual commentary and temple sculptures.

Monograph

Gandharva Music and the Microtonal System of Natyashastra

Research Paper (2021)

Musicological exploration into the 22 śrutis, jāti-gāna, and acoustic tuning methods for ancient stringed instruments.

Research Paper

Acoustic Reconstruction of the Mattakokilā and Tripushkara

Organology Study (2020)

Documentation of materials, string tension calculations, and organological blueprints used in rebuilding extinct ancient instruments.

Organology