Why in news?
The classical treatise Natyashastra continues to inspire artists and scholars. Recent discussions on cultural heritage have highlighted its relevance to India’s performing arts and its role as a foundational text for theatre, dance and music.
Background
Natyashastra is one of the world’s oldest surviving manuals on the performing arts. Composed between the 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE, it is attributed to sage Bharata Muni. According to legend, the gods asked Brahma for an entertaining art that people of all classes could enjoy. Brahma combined elements from the four Vedas—recitation from the Rigveda, music from the Samaveda, gestures from the Yajurveda and emotional flavour from the Atharvaveda—to create a Natyaveda. Bharata Muni and his sons were tasked with codifying and performing this art, resulting in the Natyashastra.
Major concepts
- Rasa theory: The text introduces the concept of rasa, the aesthetic flavour or sentiment experienced by the audience. It lists eight rasas—love (śṛṅgāra), humour (hāsya), compassion (karuṇa), fury (raudra), heroism (vīra), terror (bhayānaka), disgust (bībhatsa) and wonder (adbhuta). Later commentators added a ninth rasa, tranquillity (śānta).
- Bhava: Bhavas are the emotions or states displayed by performers to evoke rasas in the audience. The Natyashastra describes how physical movements, facial expressions and vocal modulation can convey these inner states.
- Abhinaya: Meaning “expression”, abhinaya encompasses four aspects—āṅgika (body movements), vācika (speech and song), āhārya (costumes and props) and sāttvika (mental and spiritual expression). Together they guide the performer’s art.
- Mudras and stagecraft: The treatise explains hundreds of hand gestures (mudras), postures, stage design, lighting, costumes and make‑up. It details how to construct theatres, direct plays and choreograph dances.
Legacy and relevance
- Fifth Veda: Because it synthesises elements from the four Vedas, the Natyashastra is sometimes called the Panchama Veda (fifth Veda). It emphasises that performing arts are sacred and meant to enlighten and entertain.
- Influence on classical forms: Indian dance traditions such as Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi and Kuchipudi draw heavily on Natyashastra’s vocabulary of gestures, rasas and stage techniques.
- Adaptability: Though written millennia ago, the text encourages adaptation to local tastes. It is descriptive rather than prescriptive, allowing artists to innovate while respecting tradition.
Conclusion
The Natyashastra bridges spirituality and artistry. By codifying emotions, gestures and performance techniques, it continues to guide practitioners and remind audiences of the deep cultural roots of Indian theatre and dance.
Sources: PIB
