Natya Shastra (Part 2) - Common Mistakes & Promise

Common Misconceptions regarding Natya Shastra

While talking about Natya Shastra or the science of Dance & Drama, it is important to understand that there is no mention of Bharata Muni creating certain set rules, in fact he does not prescribe a set rule which needs to be followed at all time. It comes as a surprise to many of us that it is suggested in Natya Shastra that the art forms must be dynamically adapted to the taste of people in accordance to the time and place. This perhaps explains the livid adaptation of various Classical and Folk dances of

Flow of Knowledge

the subcontinent and different parts of south east Asian countries from the same text. The dance forms that evolved in these regions can find its roots to Bharat's Natya Shasta.

Photo of the ancient texts written on Palm Leaves

It is always advice able to see Natya Shastra as the base of dance and seek inspiration from it. We can take Natya Shastra as a grammar book which can be used to know and learn the rules of construction of sentences. But the sentences needs to be form by the individuals after knowing the grammar of the subject.

It is always advisable to teach the young students about the concepts of Natya Shastra. Any misconception regarding the same needs to be cleared by the Gurus. This is of utmost importance because today's young students will actually take forward our culture and art in tomorrow's world.

Next : Birth of the Apsaras

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