Natyashastra: Synthesis of Theory and Praxis

Natyashastra: Synthesis Of Theory And Praxis

December 17, 2025

Kamaraj IAS Academy

Prelims Plus

Subject: GS Paper I (Indian Heritage and Culture) UPSC Relevance: Evolution of performing arts and ancient scientific treatises.

Historical Context: Composed by Bharata Muni (c. 200 BCE – 200 CE), it is a comprehensive manual of 36 chapters and 6,000 verses. It was created at a time when society needed a medium of instruction that combined the essence of the four Vedas but was accessible to all (Sarvavarnika).
The "Vedas" Connection: It is called the Fifth Veda (Natya Veda) because it borrows Pathya (Recitation) from Rigveda, Gana (Music) from Samaveda, Abhinaya (Mimicry) from Yajurveda, and Rasa (Aesthetics) from Atharvaveda.
Theory (Shastra) vs. Praxis (Prayoga):
Shastra: The rigid linguistic and mathematical rules of rhythm (Tala), scale (Laya), and stage geometry.
Praxis: The living application. The IGNCA’s recent session emphasized that "Theory is the body, but Praxis is the breath." In the 20th UNESCO session, India argued that classical forms like Kudiyattam or Kathakali are scientific applications of these 2,000-year-old rules.
Key Concept: Rasa Theory: The ultimate goal of any performance is to evoke a Rasa (an aesthetic flavor or sentiment) in the audience. There are 8 original Rasas (Love, Humor, Pathos, Anger, Heroism, Terror, Disgust, and Wonder), with Shanta (Peace) added later.
Relevance for 2025: The UNESCO focus highlights India’s use of Soft Power to bridge ancient wisdom with modern cultural diplomacy.