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The
Indian Theatre obviously has its origin in Sanskrit dramas. Like every
other art, in Bharat this art also has a sacred account behind it. The
earliest authority in India on the presentation of plays on the stage
is the Natyashastra of Bharat. In Shastras, is given a mythological
account that depicts the origin of the Indian Drama. According to Natyashastra,
Gods entreated Brahma, to produce something to play, which could also
be seen and heard, a fifth Veda that would benefit all castes (Sarvavarnica).
This acted as an impetus for the creation of Natyaveda. Brahma took
recitation (Pathya) from Rigveda, song (Gita) from Samaveda, art of
acting (Abhinaya) from Yajurveda and sentiment (Rasa) from Atharvaveda.
After then, he told Bharat to make this Natyaveda known to mankind with
help of his disciples and sons, Gandhrvas and Apsaras as actors and
actresses in the Banner Festival of Indra (Indra Dhwaja)
Though this was supposed to be the beginning of the art of Dramatics,
the Natyashastra also refers to two other dramas 'Churning of Nectar
from sea' and 'Burning of the three cities'. In Bharat the earliest
representation of plays on the stage appears to be associated with the
religious observances of the people. In Rigveda for example we come
across certain hymns in the form of dialogues (Samvad Suktas) some of
which seem to consist a dramatic flavor. Similarly Ramayana refers to
Nata, Natak, Nartaka in cities and palaces. Harivansh, which is a continuation
of Mahabharata also, makes references to drama. We also know that Ramayana
was enacted during the Mahabharata period and references to the dramatic
treatment ( Natakivrtam) of Ramayana are also found.
The theories about the origin of the Sanskrit plays are many as usual.
But all the theories stating Greek, May-pole origin of drama, have been
discarded and their origin in the Vedas is now universally accepted.
The Natyashastra of Bharat tells us not only about drama as one of the
ways to perform religious duties but it also deals with it as an art
with all its technicalities. Thus the Natyashastra attains importance
not only because it is one of the most ancient Granthas of Bharat but
also because it serves as a text even today for the students of dramatics.
It deals with construction of theatre, types of measurement, decoration,
sitting arrangement, scenic representation, curtains, make-up, music,
orchestra, spectators, judges….and all that is related to the performance
of drama on stage.
The Natyashastra thus has been of utmost importance for the Indian as
well as students from any country, any community who have interest in
dramatics. This is the reason why modern theatre in India has made considerable
progress.
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