The term “Nayika” is borrowed from the Sanaskrit language meaning Heroine.
In Bharathanatyam the female protagonist – nayika is typically pictured as a beautiful,
graceful, and expressive woman who experiences and reveals emotions like lonve,
longing and despair. In literature, the nayika is a central character in many love stories
and is known for her beauty, virtue, and devotion to her lover. According to various
author and combining various commentaries, a nayika is sub classified into 5 sections.
Age : Mugda, Madya, Pragalba
Seniority : Jyesta, Kanista
Relation with the Nayaka : Sviya, Parakiya, Samanya
Character : Uttama, Madyama, Adhama
Based on Birth : Divya, Maanavi, Misra.
Bharatha in his text describes nayikas as eight kinds – Ashta Nayikas. They are
as follows.
Khandita – Angry, Jealous, Questioning
Kalahantarita – Quarelling, Regretful
Vipralabddha – Betrayed, Disappointed, Depression
Virahotkhanditha – Sepertated from lover, Distress, Discontentment
Vasakasajja – Decorated, impatiently waiting for her beloved
Swadheenapathika – Pride, Dominant, Charms her husband.
Abhisarika – Daring, outgoing.
Proshitabhatrika – Separated and away from her lover due to business affairs.
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