NatyaShastra (Part 1) --- The story of the Beginning of Dance & Drama

The Story of the Origin

It is believed that Bhramha, the great creator had successfully completed creating the universe and the Chatur Vedas and being tired of the hard work had gone into deep mediation for thousands of years. In the mean time there began chaos on Earth, Heaven and Hell or commonly known as Trilokya. Evil prevailed over the good. In order to put an end to this and to begin a new society all the Devas, Ganas, Naras and Asuras went to Bhrama to seek a solution. After much debate it was widely accepted that entertainment in form of art, dance, music and drama is the best way to bring out the good. It was requested by Indra and other Asuras to make it accessible to commoners in Trilokkya not just to the kings and royals. This indeed was the need of all at all times --respite from the world filled with conflicting emotions.

Bharata Muni

Even in today's modern world this theory exists. Visual art is the best form of narrating an message across wide groups of people. Society can be influence through Visual Art. So Bhrama took the owners to teach the Art of Natya to Bharat Muni (this was just Sruti, no compilation had started), who in turn taught his 100 sons. It was strictly on a Sruti and Smriti basis, which means one hears it and remembers it till the time he/she finds some worthy students to pass the knowledge and information to pass down. This formed the incredible Guru Shisya parampara. However it is believed that on the requests of the Asuras, Bharata Muni decided to write down the knowledge on palm leaves.This came to be known as Natya Shastra.The first chapter of the text declares that the text originated only after the four Vedas were completed. Natya Shastra was written as the Fifth Veda, so one can find the sweet essence of the Vedas in Natya form to encourage every member of the society towards Dharma, Artha and Karma.Historians believe that the text originated more that 2500 years ago. This encyclopedic work of Drama, Dance and Music is divided into 36 Chapters and contains more than 6000 verses.

Next Blog :

1) Misconception regarding Natya Shastra

2) Promise of Natya Shastra

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