Rasa theory
Also called: Navarasa · Topic: Early Indian Art and Architecture: Stupas, Rock-cut Caves, Temples · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Rasa theory is the old Indian idea that good art creates a rasa, a "flavour" or mood, in the viewer or listener. It was first set out in the Natyashastra, the treatise on drama by Bharata. Bharata named eight rasas: love, humour, pity, anger, heroism, fear, disgust and wonder. Later writers added a ninth, shanta (peace or calm). Together these are called the navarasa. The theory shaped Indian drama, dance, poetry, sculpture and painting.
Example
Kalidasa's play Abhijnanashakuntalam (Gupta age) is built mainly on shringara (love) and karuna (pity or sorrow).
Don't confuse with
- Bhava: the emotion shown by the actor or artist. Rasa is the flavour the audience tastes as a result.
Related concepts
- Gupta art
- Sarnath school of art
- Mudras
- Abhaya mudra
- Bhumisparsha mudra
- Dharmachakra mudra
- Dhyana mudra
- Varada mudra
- Vitarka mudra
- Anjali mudra