Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s20.644

v1.c3.s20.644

Nṛtū occurs once in the Rigveda¹ denoting a female ‘dancer.’ In another passage² Nṛti is found coupled with *hāsa*, ‘laughter,’ in the description of the funeral ritual; but though it is clear that a joyful celebration is meant (like the Irish ‘wake’ or the old-fashioned feasting in Scotland after a funeral), it is difficult to be certain that actual dancing is here meant. Dancing is, however, often referred to in the Rigveda³ and later. Nṛtta-gīta, ‘dance and song,’ are mentioned in the Jaiminīya Brāhmaṇa⁴ as found in the sixth world. See also Śailūṣa.