Natya Sastra (Raga Nrtya Ser .: No 2)

Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications
Language: English Translation Only
Edition: 2021
ISBN: 9788170301349
Pages: 644
Cover: Hardcover
Dimensions: 21 cm x 14.5 cm

About the Book

The Natya Shastra is an ancient text that holds unparalleled significance in Indian classical arts. Written by Bharata Muni, it encompasses stagecraft, music, classical Indian dance, and literature, establishing itself as the foundational treatise of the Indian performing arts. While primarily focused on drama, it extends its influence across multiple disciplines, detailing aspects such as stage design, costume, makeup, and music, and offering an in-depth analysis of musical instruments of the period.

This 2021 translation of the Natya Shastra brings its wisdom to a modern audience with an accessible and detailed interpretation. The work is divided into thirty-six chapters, covering topics like:

• Origin of Drama

• Stage construction and design

• Role of emotions and gestures in performance

• Types of acting (body motions, speech, costumes, and internal emotions)

• Detailed analysis of music and dance forms

• Rasa theory and its influence on Indian cinema

The Natya Shastra is critical not only for its discussions on the arts but also for its theories on aesthetics and performance psychology, which have shaped the evolution of Indian classical theater. This book also includes critical notes and an index of terms, making it an essential resource for scholars and practitioners of the performing arts.

About the Author

Bharata Muni, the author of Natya Shastra, is considered one of the greatest figures in Indian dramaturgy. His work has had a lasting influence on the Indian performing arts, from theater to dance and music. While his authorship of the Natya Shastra is widely acknowledged, the text's history and its many commentaries continue to enrich the understanding of classical Indian arts. This English translation of the text makes his vision more accessible to the global audience.