Indian dancing

Photo: Jansz The veena, oldest of stringed instruments, associated with Sarasvati, goddess of music and learning

Photo: Jansz

Left to right, the mridangam (or drums), the flute, and the veena. The drummer beats out

his rhythms to the pace set by the dancer, improvising various ‘thekas’, or expressions, with

his sticks, palms, fingers, and sometimes even his elbows. Indian music has its origin in religion, and each of the basic notes is Supposed to be presided over by a deity