Published Paper Details:

Th?la occupies a foundational position in Bharatanatyam, functioning simultaneously as a structural framework and an aesthetic life-force. While rhythm is often understood as a temporal guide that regulates movement, its deeper role lies in shaping bodily discipline, expressive continuity, and aesthetic fulfilment. This paper examines th?la as an embodied rhythmic principle that governs the organisation of movement and facilitates the realisation of bh?va and rasa in Bharatanatyam. Through a critical engagement with classical texts, dance theory, and performance practice, the study argues that th?la is not merely an external metric but an internalised rhythmic consciousness that integrates body, time, and emotion. The paper highlights how rhythmic internalisation transforms technical execution into an aesthetically meaningful experience, thereby establishing th?la as a unifying force between structure and aesthetics in Bharatanatyam.