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Bharata Muni was an ancient Indian writer whose life has been dated differently from the 5th century BCE to the 2nd century CE. His best known work is the Natya Shastra, a theoretical treatise on Ancient Indian Dramaturgy & Histrionics.Indian dance and music find their root in the Natyashastra.Besides propounding the theory of three types of acting Bharata has discussed in detail classical indian vocal\instrumental music & dance since they are integral to Sanskrit drama. The classical dance form 'Bharata Natyam' is codified in the Natya Shastra. Bharata classified Sanskrit theatrical forms (Natya\Rupaka)in to ten types and what is known to the west as drama is but one among these viz. Nataka. Barata's encyclopaedic work comprises of 27\28 chapters & it is probable that it was a creation of many more schloars.Bharata is considered as the father of Indian theatrical art forms.It is believed that Barata was first to psychologise Indian Aesthetics & to build up a system of thought.
