The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c15.s1.40

c15.s1.40

To conclude, the artists of Central and Southern India held that the unfolding of the beauty of the female form by showing the bust uncovered in a work of art need not and should not give rise to any indecent thoughts, if the woman concerned were a lady of virtuous character. To the spectator she would be like a mother. If, however, she was a dancing or a singing girl, there would not be this sacred atmosphere about her. The artist therefore felt that she should not be shown displaying the charms of her uncovered bust. As a consequence we usually find dancing girls appearing with a full dress covering their entire person right up to their necks and ankles. They are seen covering their breasts with bodices, jackets or blouses. This would become quite clear from the dancing scenes at Bharhut, Bagh caves and Sarnath¹.