The theoretical foundations of the classical dance forms and Indian theatre is said to be laid out in an ancient text known as Natya Shastra, written by Bharat Muni. It consists of techniques and lessons for an interpretive narration of the mythical legends and spiritual ideas. Where did this book come from? What is the story behind a detailed book about dance, music and theatre?
This Sanskrit treatise on performing arts is dated between 200BCE and 200CE. Towards the end of treta yug Lord Brahma, the creator, created a Veda that took; words from Rig Veda, Music from Sama Veda, Bhava from Yajur Veda and Rasa from Atharva Veda and made the fifth Veda called Natya Veda. Brahma taught the Natya Veda to Bharat Muni, who in turn taught it to his 100 sons. Kishiski Vritti the delicate style of dance could not be mastered by Bharat’s sons and so were created 24 Apsaras the Nymphs. Natya Shastra was a new form given to this Veda, which is a descriptive work of the various art forms that existed throughout time. The very first dance musical revolved around the topic of Samudra manthan, performed by Bharat Muni and his sons for lord Indra. Another small drama was performed in front of Lord Shiva, who on being immensely impressed taught the dance Tandava to them. And Lasya the other aspect of Shiva’s dance was taught by Parvati to Usha the daughter of Bhanasura, who in turn taught it to her friends in Dwarka.
Natya
Shastra became the means of conveying many things to the audience that was not
so learned. It was and still is the means of entertainment, but also
propagation of important messages and keeping our mythology alive. This one
book gave detailed instructions and techniques in the field of dance, music and
theatre. It demanded discipline and dedication, imparted knowledge and became
the means to entertainment that the masses could connect to. One of the many
theories in Natya Shastra is the Rasa Theory, which says that entertainment is
a desired effect of performing arts but not it’s primary goal, and that the
primary goal is to transport the audience into a parallel reality full of
wonder, where he experiences the essence of his own consciousness and reflects
on spiritual and moral questions.
