The Eleven Natya Sangraha encapsulate the profound wisdom of Bharata, providing a structured yet dynamic framework for Indian classical theater. Each element—be it the emotional resonance of Rasa, the evocative power of Bhava, or the intricate interplay of Abhinaya and Swara—contributes to the holistic experience of performance art.
Exploring the Vedic Basis of Bharata’s Natyashastra Read More »
The Eleven Natya Sangraha encapsulate the profound wisdom of Bharata, providing a structured yet dynamic framework for Indian classical theater. Each element—be it the emotional resonance of Rasa, the evocative power of Bhava, or the intricate interplay of Abhinaya and Swara—contributes to the holistic experience of performance art.
The Cold Winds of Kashmir and Abhinavagupta’s Enduring Legacy The cold winds of Kashmir carry whispers of an ancient time when its valleys were alive with philosophy, art, and the mystical teachings of Śaivism. Today, Hinduism may have largely receded from the region, but in the 10th century, Kashmir was an intellectual and spiritual beacon,
Abhinavagupta & The Importance of Abhinavabhārati in Understanding the Nāṭyaśāstra Read More »
বাংলায় পড়ুন No matter how much Sri Krishna directs towards Brahmajnana in the Gita and advises against desiring the fruits of one’s actions, if Arjuna did not find solace from his despondency within that knowledge, I doubt how effective Arjuna’s role as a listener would have been. Even if Arjuna were not the true recipient,
My Journey with Natyashastra (Part 4) Read More »
বাংলায় পড়ুন Without further preamble, let us now consider the chapters and topics of the Natya Shastra. For until we know exactly which aspects are being discussed in the context of drama, we will not have a clear understanding of the qualities and skills required of an actor and a dramatist. The confusion will persist
My Journey with Natyashastra (Part 3) Read More »
বাংলায় পড়ুন Natyashastra is not merely a handbook or manual for the art of Theatre; it is a philosophy that speaks of Purushartha (the four aims of human life) within drama. Bharata Muni was courageous enough to directly contradict the Manusmriti through logic and debate. He educated the lower strata of society in a knowledge
My Journey with Natyashastra (Part 2) Read More »
My initial encounter with the Vishnudharmottara Purana occurred while pursuing a diploma in Indian aesthetics at Ramakrishna Mission, Golpark. Despite leaving the program halfway due to frequent questioning and disagreements with some instructors, I managed to glean essential knowledge, much like a swan selecting sustenance from mud. The most significant benefit was understanding what to
A Review of Indian Aesthetics and Applications in the Vishnudharmottara Purana (Part 1) Read More »
বাংলায় পড়ুন A decade ago, in March 2013, I visited Manish Da’s (Manish Mitra, the director of the Kasba Arghya theatre group) home for the first time for a lunch invitation. That afternoon marked my initial foray into Kolkata’s professional Theatre world, although my relationship with the stage was not new. Despite my teenage uncertainties
My Journey with Natyashastra (Part 1) Read More »
