Bharata Muni

Bharata Muni (Sanskrit: भरत मुनी) was an ancient Indian theatrologist and musicologist who authored the Natya Shastra, a theoretical treatise on ancient Indian dramaturgy and histrionics, especially Sanskrit theatre. It is dated to between 5th-century BC to 3rd-century BCE.[1]

Ancient 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 and dance since they are integral to Sanskrit drama. Bharata classified Sanskrit theatrical forms (Natya/Rupaka) into ten types; what is known to the west as drama is but one among these, namely, Nataka.

Bharata also outlines a set of rasas or moods/emotions which were to be influential in defining the nature of Indian dance, music, and theater.

The Natyashastra comprises 36 chapters and it is possible that it was a creation of more than one scholar. Bharata is considered as the father of Indian theatrical art forms.

See also

References

2. "Revealing the Art of Natyasastra" by Narayanan Chittoor Namboodiripad ISBN 9788121512183

External links