Aṣṭanāyikā: The Romantic Heroines from Nāṭyaśāstra to Modernity is a poetic and scholarly journey into the timeless archetypes of love, longing, and artistic expression.
Rooted in classical tradition yet resonating across generations, it explores how the emotion of Śṛṅgāra Rasa continues to inspire art, music, literature, and performance.

Authors:

Manorama Choudhury
(A U.S.-based multilingual author, poet, songwriter, blogger, and mixed-media artist.)

Dr. Jayakrushna Choudhury
(A retired NCERT teacher and prolific writer in Odia literature.)

Forewords & Praises 

Include select blurbs/testimonials from the back cover (Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher, scholars, artists). Example:

Aṣṭanāyikā, a luminous gem, is a poetic and scholarly exploration of love, emotion, and creativity, seamlessly bridging ancient wisdom with modern experience.

                — Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher

“At a time when Nāṭyaśāstra has received global recognition through UNESCO, this work stands as a meaningful reflection of its enduring artistic legacy.”
~ Dr. Sandhya Prurecha,
Chairman, Sangeet Natak Academy, India.

“The Śṛṅgāra Rasa Nāyikā reflects every woman, as Prakriti forever seeking Purusha, inviting layered interpretations.”
~ Dr Harsha V. Dehejia,
Professor of Indic Studies, Carlton University, Canada.

“This book is a cross-cultural journey where Nāṭyaśāstra meets neuroscience, uniting the language of human emotions with the language of science.”
~ Dr Arjun Purohit
Professor (Retd.) Queen’s University, Canada.

“You’ll find here how India discovers the journey of emotions that transcends time & space, culminating lust into love, revealing the divine rhythm of the soul.”

~His Divine Grace Babaji Sanat Sujātānanda Das Maharaj
Gourang Math, Puri, Odisha

“The authors skillfully trace Nāṭyaśāstra’s enduring influence across India’s literary, artistic, and performance traditions—a treasure for art lovers.”
~Sharon Lowen, American Odissi Dancer

“This book stands as a cultural beacon, a celebration of India’s artistic and spiritual heritage.”
~Puran Dang, Philanthropist

“It masterfully combines meticulous research with poetic sensitivity, crafting a work that not only deciphers the intricacies of ancient texts but also reimagines their relevance in contemporary contexts.”
~Prof. Nirod Mohanty (Retd.)
California State University, Long Beach, California.

“A nuanced study of rasa, with special focus on śṛṅgāra rasa. The inclusion of vernacular poetry enriches this work for scholars.”
~ Dr. Kamal Kishore Mishra,
HOD, Sanskrit, Calcutta University.

“An in-depth, skillfully crafted work blending research with poetic sensitivity, giving rightful space to Odissi music and Odia poets often overlooked in English literature. Highly recommended.” 
~ Guru Smt Swati Panda
Hindustani Classical Vocalist.

Book‘s Order Details

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