Indian Theatre: Classical, Folk, and Modern Traditions

Introduction

Indian theatre is among the oldest in the world, with roots in the Vedic period (c. 1500 BCE). The Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni (c. 200 BCE-200 CE) is the foundational treatise on dramaturgy, dance, music, and aesthetics. Theatre in India evolved along three parallel streams: classical Sanskrit theatre, regional folk traditions, and modern proscenium theatre.

Classical Sanskrit Theatre

Key Features

• Natya Shastra - Defines drama as 'natyam' (visual representation), prescribing the rasa theory (aesthetic experience) and bhavas (emotions).
• Rasa Theory - Eight (later nine) rasas: Shringara (love), Hasya (comedy), Karuna (pathos), Raudra (anger), Vira (heroism, valour), Bhayanka (terror), Bibhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), and Shanta (peace - later addition).
• Dasharupaka - Ten types of drama forms (nataka, prakarana, etc.), with specific structural rules.
• Abhinaya - Four modes of expression: Angika (body), Vachika (speech), Aharya (costume/makeup), and Sattvika (mental states).
• Natyashalas - Permanent theatre buildings with prescribed measurements, described in the Natya Shastra.

Major Playwrights

• Bhasa (c. 3rd-4th CE) - 13 plays discovered, including Swapnavasavadattam, Urubhanga, and Pratijna Yaugandharayanam.
• Kalidasa (c. 4th-5th CE) - Foremost Sanskrit dramatist. Works: Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Malavikagnimitram,...