Natyashashtra

There are four Upavedas as follows:

• Āyurveda – associated with the Rigveda
• Dhanurveda – associated with the Yajurveda
• Gāndharvaveda – associated with the Samaveda
• Shastrashastra – associated with the Atharvaveda

The aspect of Vedic literature that deals with theatre is Gandharva-Veda (36000 slokas in total). Bharat’s Natyashashtra is based upon the Gandharvaveda.

Bharat’s Natyashashtra

The Natyashashtra of Bharat is an ancient treatise on theatre, dance and music. It was written during the period between 200 BC to 200 AD. It covers stage design, music, dance, makeup, and other aspects of theatre. It is called the foundation of the fine arts in India. It was based upon Gandhravaveda.

The treatise is composed in prose and verse, but verse predominates. Gandharva music, the techniques of playing musical instruments and the rules for talas are explained.

The Rasa Theory in Natyashashtra

The fountainhead of the rasa theory is Bharata’s Natyashastra.

Rasa or essence refers to the dominant emotional theme of a performing art which is invoked in the audience.

Rasa is the fundamental concept in not only the performing arts viz. dance, music and drama but also the cinema and literature. Rasa is what that brings to mind a multitude of sensations through taste, emotion, and delight.

Rasa is non-material and it is the finest part of an art. It is described as the atman or soul in the body of an art. In its most commonly understood sense, it denotes taste, flavor, or relish, often yielding pleasure.

The Rasa Theory says that Rasa arises from a (proper) combination of the vibhavas (the stimulants), the anubhavas (the physical consequents) and the vyabhicharibhavas (the transient emotional states)”.

The Natyashashtra describes the eight Rasas as follows:

• Śṛngāram
  (शृङ्गारं) : Love, Attractiveness
• Hāsyam
  (हास्यं) : Laughter, Mirth, Comedy
• Raudram
  (रौद्रं) : Fury, Wrath
• Kāruṇyam
  (कारुण्यं) : Compassion, Tragedy
• Bībhatsam (बीभत्सं): Disgust, Aversion
• Bhayānakam
  (भयानकं): Horror, Terror
• Vīram (वीरं): Heroic mood
• Adbhutam
  (अद्भुतं) : Wonder, Amazement

Apart from the above, Abhinavgupta, who is known for have written the best commentary on Natyashashtra called Abhinavabhāratī, had proposed a ninth Rasa called Śāntam which denotes the peace or tranquillity. This along with the eight rasas of Bharat are called Navaras. A few more Rasas such as Vatsalya Rasa and Bhakti Rasas were added in the later times.