Are you fascinated by the true concept of performing arts?
Here’s an insight into the ancient source of drama.

‘ Natyashastra’, a sublime treatise on performing arts, was ascribed to Bharat Muni by Lord Brahma. It was created between the 2nd century BC and the 2nd century AD. It was Tretayug where everyone was engrossed in greed, desire, jealousy, and anger. Hence, this Veda was created to restore their intellect, their reason and soothe their conscience. Lord Brahma said,

“Sarva Shastra Sampannam
Sarva Shilpa Parvathi
Natyaakyam Panchamam Vedam
Sethihaasam Karomyaham”

which means, ‘I hereby describe Natya which is enriched by all sciences and sculptures which can be considered as a fifth Veda’. It is an inclusive piece of art for all the sections of society, permissible to all. It is said to be a school of thought on various sources of information such as dance, drama, and music. Every word of the text encompasses various inferences and references. Even the word ‘Bharat’ consists of three syllables, ‘Bha’ meaning Bhava, ‘Ra’ meaning Raga, and ‘Ta’ meaning Taal. It can be called a synthesis of all the four Vedas borrowing Paathyam(requisite passage) from Rig Veda, Geet (songs and music) from Sama Veda, Abhinaya(histrionic expression) from Yajur Veda, and Rasa(emotions and sentiments ) from Atharva Veda. It also incorporates elements of Ayurveda, Dhanurveda, Gandharvaveda, etc. It can be labeled as an intendance passed by Lord Brahma to those of Gods who were skilled, learned, flamboyant in speech, and diligent. Bharat arranged a performance with his hundred sons inhibiting the verbal, grand, and vivacious actions of drama. Since it required both genders, therefore Brahma from his mind created nymphs to emblaze the drama. He also sent Satmuni, his disciples, and celestial musicians to play music.

Nayashastra includes 36 chapters and 6000 shlokas starting with Natyautpatti(origin of drama). It involves the description of the theatre, features of Tandava and Nritya, the preliminaries to be taken care of before the enactment of drama, and most importantly the eight Rasas (which are epic sources of inspiration for emerging Indian poets ) including 49 Bhavas (sentiments) and another state of emotions. These are to be passed on to the spectators. It embodies the movement of hands, limbs, face, and every part of the body. Bharata praised Lord Shiva whom he has described as the ‘Lord of Dance’.He said,

“Pranayam Shirasa Devou
Pitamaha Maheshwarou
Natyashastram Pravaksyami
Brahamanaya Duthahrutham”

meaning, ‘I now bow my head to Pitamaha (Brahma-the creator of the Natyashastra) and Maheshwara ( Shiva-the creator of dance ) and reveal the science of dance as it was depicted to me by Lord Brahma. Bharata has elated Shiva as the embodiment of Abhinaya (melodramatic expressions). Natyashastra also entails Swaras( the seven notes of music) and Aatodhyaya about the four types of instruments. Tata (stringed instruments), Sushira(wind instruments), Ghana (solid instruments), and Avanaddha (percussion instruments). Natyashastra is composed in sutras, Bhasya(prose), Anuvamsyashlokas in Arya , Anustub metres and Karikas.

Natyashastra is a convergence of Shastra (scholarship) and Prayoga (practice). In a nutshell, it can be called an intricate analysis of the aesthetic pleasure emanated by a compassionate spectator or reader. Thomas Merton, a great writer said, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time” and this is what Natyashastra was designed for. It is a blend of science and culture to unwind and enlighten people by the means of traditional maxims. It describes the significance of dramatic representation and the process to attain success with heritage and the ways of the world.

I want my readers to get the same pleasure that is meant for the readers of Natyashastra.

“ सुखार्थिनः कुतो विद्या विद्यार्थिनः कुतो सुखम”्
And to those who couldn’t make up till the end, truly the above shloka is meant for you!