The Natya Shastra: The “Fifth Veda”
The Natya Shastra is often referred to as the Natyaveda. Legend says that Lord Brahma created it by taking elements from the four existing Vedas (pathya/text from Rigveda, gita/music from Samaveda, abhinaya/gesture from Yajurveda, and rasa/emotion from Atharvaveda) so that it could be accessible to everyone.
Scholars generally place codification of Natyashatra between 500 BCE and 500 CE (i.e., more than 2500 years ago!). It isn’t just a “dance manual.” It is an encyclopedic treatise covering stage design, makeup, costume, music, logic, and even the emotional psychology of the audience.
Rasa Siddhanta: The Science of Emotion
The most “unique proposition” of natyashatra is the Rasa Theory. Bharata Muni famously stated: “Nahi rasadrite kashchidarthah pravartate” (No meaning proceeds without Rasa).
- The Mechanism: He codified how Bhava (the internal state of the performer) is transformed into Rasa (the “flavor” or “relish” experienced by the spectator).
- The Eight Rasas: Originally, Bharata Muni defined eight Rasas (Shringara/Love, Hasya/Mirth, Karuna/Compassion, Raudra/Anger, Veera/Heroism, Bhayanaka/Terror, Bhibhatsa/Disgust, and Adbhuta/Wonder). A ninth, Shanta (Peace), was added later.
Bharatanatyam: A Direct Derivative?
While many Indian classical forms (like Kathakali, Odissi, and Kuchipudi) follow the Natya Shastra, Bharatanatyam is considered one of the most structurally faithful to the ancient text’s descriptions of Karanas (dance movements) and Mudras (hand gestures).
So Bharatanatyam, directly refers to the contributions of Bharatha Muni. The name itself is often interpreted as an acronym for the core pillars of the Natya Shastra:
- Bha – Bhava (Emotion)
- Ra – Raga (Melody)
- Ta – Tala (Rhythm)
Reflecting on Tradition
The Vedic Tribe concludes by encouraging the adoption of “good practices.” In a modern context, this could mean:
- From the first: Valuing mindfulness and spiritual clarity over material attachment.
- From the second: Upholding one’s duty (Dharma) and honoring one’s heritage.
- From the third: Appreciating the depth of art and its power to refine human emotions.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe