Good morning, everyone
Today I stand before you all to talk about one of the most important and influential texts
in the history of Indian culture—the Natyashastra. This treatise, attributed to the sage
Bharata Muni, is the cornerstone of classical Indian theatre and dramaturgy, and has
shaped the course of Indian theatre for centuries, and its influence can still be felt
today.
Origin of Natyashastra
Written sometime between 200 BCE and 200 CE, the Natyashastra is often called the
fifth Veda. The text, consisting of 36 chapters and over 6000 verses, covers a vast range
of topics that deal with drama, dance, music, acting, and stagecraft. According to
legend, Lord Bhrama decided to create a new form of knowledge called natyaveda to
uplift and instruct humanity. This new art form combined elements of recitation from
rigveda, music from samveda, gestures and ritualistic movements from yajurveda and
emotions and sentiments from atharveda. other gods also contributed to the making of
natyashastra with Lord Shiva contributing the Tandav the dance representing violent
emotions while Goddess Parvati provided Lasya the dance representing tender
emotions Lord Vishnu contributed different kinds of dramatic styles and Vishwakarma
the divine architect is said to have constructed a theatre in the heaven. the sage
Bharata bought this divine work to bhulok . The Bharatkavya recited at the end of all
sanskrit dramas is a homage to the founder of this dramatic art bharata.
Influence on Indian Dramaturgy
The Natyashastra didn’t just influence one era or one art form – its principles continue
to shape the very core of Indian performing arts today. Whether it's the intricate
classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, or Kathak, or the traditions of
Sanskrit theatre and folk performances, the echoes of the Natyashastra are present
everywhere.
Let’s see some of the major ways it has impacted the development of Indian
dramaturgy:
1. Rasa Theory: Perhaps the most celebrated contribution of the Natyashastra is
its theory of rasa, which refers to the emotional experience that the audience
undergoes while witnessing a performance. The eight primary rasas (shringara,
hasya, karuna, raudra, veera, bhayanaka, bibhatsa, and adbhuta) are intended
to evoke specific emotions in the audience. This concept has remained the gold
standard for dramatic art in India, guiding performers in their ability to connect
with the audience on an emotional level.
2. The Role of Bhava: Alongside rasa is the concept of bhava, which refers to the
emotions or feelings the actor portrays. The Natyashastra teaches actors how to
embody emotions through facial expressions, hand gestures, and bodily
movements. Together, bhava and rasa create a powerful synergy that makes the
audience feel the emotions of the characters on stage. This connection between
the actor's emotional expression and the audience’s experience is a hallmark of
Indian theatre.
3. Stagecraft and Performance Techniques: The treatise is incredibly detailed in
its discussion of how a play should be staged. It provides instructions on the
design of the stage, the arrangement of lighting, the use of props, and even the
costumes and makeup of actors. The text also outlines the different types of
theatrical performances, from solo dance recitals to grand multi-actor dramas,
creating a systematic approach to performance.
4. The Relationship Between Dance, Music, and Drama: One of the most
significant features of Indian dramaturgy, as outlined in the Natyashastra, is the
integration of dance, music, and drama. While Western theatre might separate
these forms, Indian theatre embraces them as one unified experience. The
Natyashastra discusses in great detail how dance and music should
complement the narrative of the play, with music influencing the mood and the
dance movements expressing the emotional depth of the characters.
The Continuing Legacy
The influence of Natyashastra is not confined to ancient performances alone. It has
shaped and continues to shape contemporary Indian theatre and performance art.
Even in modern times, the text serves as a guiding light for many theatre practitioners
and artists, informing the way plays are written, directed, and performed. Moreover, its
impact isn’t limited to India. Theatre practitioners around the world have drawn
inspiration from its ideas about emotional connection, performance technique, and the
role of the audience. Its universal themes of human emotion and connection have
proven to be timeless, resonating with people from all walks of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Natyashastra stands as a monumental text that has shaped the
development of Indian theatre and performing arts. Its exploration of human emotion,
its intricate technical details, and its ability to connect artists with audiences have left
an indelible mark on the world of performance.
Thank you!
