New Navarasas
New Navarasas
New Navarasas
( The wonderful World of Human Emotions in Indian Classical dance Part -1)
Indain Classical dance, or Shastriya Nritya is an umbrella term for varios performance arts
rooted in musical theatre styles, whose theory and practice can be traced to the Sankrit text
NATYA SHASTRA. The root of the sanskrit word Natya is nat which means “act,
represent”. The word Shastra means “ precept,rules,manual, compendium, book or treatise,
and is generally used as a suffix in the Indian literature context, for knowledge in a defined
area of practice. The purpose of any dance is to create Ras, which is an estate of the spirit
created by the dancer in front of the viewer’s according to the expression. India presents
many different styles of classical sance, each of which relates to different parts of the
country. Each form represents the ethos of a particular region or group of individuals. The
Sangeet Natak Academy recognizes eight different forms of Classical dance in India which
are Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohini attam, Manipuri, Odissi and
sattriyya.
Kuchipudi is one of the major classical dance forms of the South India. Kuchipudi is a dance –
drama performance art that originated in a village of krishna district Andhra Pradesh, India. This
ancient dance form finds place in the 10th centurycopper inscriptions and in 15th century texts like
“Manchupalli Kaifat” ( a court document of 1505 A.D). Traditionally it is regarded that the sanyasis
( Hindu monks) of Advaita Vedanta philosophical tradition, Tirtha Narayana Yati and his disciple
Siddhendra Yogi initiated, methodized and arranged the present day version of the dance form in
17th century. Andhra Pradesh is associated with Kuchipudi dance performance art form. It is famous
for its grace, elegance and charm. ( It was Abdul Tana Shah, thr grand nephew of Sultan
Mohammed Quli Qutub SHAh of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, who bestowed the name of “Kuchipudi”
upon this renowned dance form of Andhra Pradesh.)
Kuchipudi is named after the village in krishna district of Andhra pradesh named
Kuchipudi. Shortend form of the full name Kuchelapuram or Kuchilapri – where it
developed. The name of village is itself derived from Sanskrit Kusilava-Puram, which
means “the village of actors”. Kusilava is term found in ancient Sanskrit texts and refers to
“travelling bard, dancer”.
The purpose of dance or drama would be complete when the evoking sentiments one
brought appropriate to the theme by grace, skill of language and gestures. Natya shastra
includes all the sciences, arts and crafts and is an imitation of all the situations of three
worlds.
Natya represents the pain and pleasures of the World through the medium of four
Abhinayas.
Angika Abhinaya – Physical movements and gestures
Vachika Abhinaya – Voice and speech
Aharya Abhinaya – Make-up ans costumes
Sattvika Abhinaya – Emotional reaction
The chief aim of the presentation is to arouse a particular sentiment in the minds of
audience, call Rasa.
Rasa is essence or taste. Before we go into the topic we should know about Literary
traditions.
In the literary tradition we divide Kavya or a literary work into two kinds.
SRAVYA – That which can be heard.
DRUSYA – that which can be seen, which is enacted on the stage and seen by audience is
more effective to give the desired aesthetic pleasure. The plot, the characterization and
everything is subordinate in promoting Rasa.
In the literary traditions, even from the very early period, Kavya was classified in several
different ways. The usual means were (a) by language (b) by whether it was poetry or
prose or a mixture of both and (c) by the literary form.
And, to start with Kavya was said to be either oral – SRAVYA ( one that is listened to) or
DRUSYA or prekshya ( one that is seen, visual comphrehension). This was the primary
differentiation.
Drshya genereally stands for Drama (Nataka) and Dance-Drama (Geya- Nataka) the visual
comprehension of a theatrical performance; and the Sravya covers the entire range of
lyrical and epic poetry in general. And some times, in a narrow sense, the Shravya is itself
known as Kavya. That might be because; in the ancient times the Epics were narrated or
recited before a gathering of ardent listeners. And, individual poems or their stanzas, in
most cases, gained popularity among the common peoplewho enjoyed listening to them.
The boundaries between the oral and written poetry was never clear. Yet,the oral traditions
seened to have a strong influence over written versions. And, in fact even during the
medieval times the written texts were corrected with referance to its oral version.
[ However, as the classical poetry grew more complex and more elaborately structured, it
became rather difficult to rely only on the oral rendering. Reading or studying a text
gradually replaced listening as the commenest means of enjoying Kavya].
But, the distinction of shravya and prekshya – is not strictly observed. For instance : Dance
(nataka) is at once a kavya – Prose – that can be read (shrvya ) and that be witnessed
(Dhrusya) on the stage. In fact, some of the finest poetry of the ancient times can be found
in sanskrit Dramas. Thus, the Drama came to be regardedas the most enjoyable of all the
forms of Kavya. [ KAVYESHU NAATAKAM RAMYAM]. Kalidasa endorses both the
forms:
NATYAM BHINNARUCHIR JANASYA BAHUDA APEKSHYAM
SAMARADHANAM.
“ Drama, verily, is a feast that is greatly enjoyed by a variety of the people of different
tastes”.
Another is the Chitra – Kavya, where the words of the poetry are woven into figures and
diagram ( chiyarbandha), that can be seen and read is at once a shravya and prekshya.
As Drama is a composite art, Bharata’s treatment towards all related subjects such as
Archeitechture, Preliminaries, Postures, Movements of limbs, Songs, Dance, Speech,
Dress, Musical instrumenta etc gave important and greatness to Natya Shastra.
Bharata’s Natya Shastra is the oldest treatise on Rasa Theory. The idea of Rasa in Drama
or poetry is a unique creation of Indian Dramaturgy and rhetoric. The translation of this
word “Rasa” is also very different as it is an enjoyment or experience in the mind of the
sympathetic audience or leader.
It is an individual experience brought through the expression of Bhava. The Rasa is created
or promoted in the mind of a spectator by the Bhava being expressed. These two, the Rasa
and Bhava are inter dependent as Ras is not created without Bhava and Bhava has no
existence if Rasa is not promoted.
What is RASA?
What exactly is called RASA.
The answer given is “THAT WHICH IS RELISHED IS RASA”.
The illustration shows a parallelism between the “TASTE” as applied to food and
“RELISH” applied to poetry is drawn by Bharata.
As one feels the difference in the taste of food, the SAHRUDAYA enjoys the sentiments
like nava Rasas.
The relation between Rasas and Bhavas are discussed in the connection.
Definition of RASA is
“VIBHAVA ANUBHAVA VYABHICHARI SAMYOGAAT RASA NISHPATTIH”.
Rasa is created by a combination of Vibhava, Anubhava and Vybhichari bhavas.
Bhava is defined as that which helps us to understand the poet’s heart through the words,
bodily gestures and emotions.
Bhava : Chapter 7 in Natya Shastra is concerned with bhavas in all their varieties at the
outset it is started that there are 8 sthyayi bhavas, 33 vyabhichari bhavas and 8 sattvika
bhavas. With their combination the sentments RASAS are produced.
The total number of these are stated as 49 bhavas.
Bhavas are produced by Rasa or vice- versa?
Some opinion that by their mutual combination both are produced. But the view of Bharata
is confirmed as Rasa produced from the Bhavas through both are interdependent.
Bhavas are like Rivers and Sthyayi bhavas are like Ocean.
Students are like rivers and GURUs are like Ocean.
These are static or permanent moods which stay when Rasa is experienced. For example:
sea water / River water.
BHAVA
Vibhava
Saattvika
Anubhava
bhava
Sthyayi Vyabhichari
bhava bhava
Chapter VII of The Natya Shastra goes into great detail about the bhavas, which are broken
down into three categories. Bharata mentions eight “Durable,” “Permanent,” or “Constant”
emotional conditions called Sthayi bhavas:
These emotional states are inherent to humans. They are basic as they are inborn,
understandable without explanation. They also are characterized by intensity, as they
dominate and direct behavior. On the stage Sthayi bhavas are represented by certain
Anubhavas, explained in Natya Shastra as follows:
Sthayi bhavas are manifested by corresponding Anubhavas:
The Natya Sastra does not stop with the mere mention of Rasa and Sthayi Bhavas. It has
more to reveal such as Vyabhichari bhavas, which has been systematic put forward by
Bharta Muni. Earlier it has been mentioned that the Sastra talks about the internal emotions
in terms of Sthayi Bhava but they are steady and inherent, so difficult to express without
any reason and also require proper transition to feel and communicate. To this very logical
thought, which can come to any actor’s mind, there is a rescue in the form of Vyabhichari
or Sanchari Bhava. They act as transitory feelings and sentiments, which can have many
sources. These come to stay for a while, do their job and go. Thirty three such Vyabhichari
or Sanchari Bhavas are mentioned in the Natya Sastra.
Involvement of Mind and Body – Feelings/ emotions and physical expression of the mind
and body.
Sanchari Bhava :
“Vi” and “Abhi” are prepositions the root cause is in the sense of “Movement” Hence the
word Vyabhicarinah means that take movement of different objects towards Rasas. That
they take the things that are connected with words gestures and the temperament towards
Rasa. Canati thus means carry. How do they carry? (Just as the Sun carries this star to this
day). It is not carried by means shoulders and arms. But it is popular parlance. These
Vyabhicarins are to be known as leading just like the sun leading. In the synoptic digest,
thirsty three Vyabhicarins have been mentioned:
NIRVEDA (Despondency): What is called Nirveda is produced trough vibhas such
as advent of improvised state being insulted abused by means of foul language angry
thrashing, separation from beloved persons and requisition of ultimate knowledge and
other similar. As far thesis is concerned with women and with persons of mean nature. It
should be portrayed on the stage by means of Anubhavas such as crying, sighs, deep
breaths fraudulences etc.
Nirveda - weeping, sighing, deep breathing, deliberation and the like.
GLANI (Feebleess): Glani results from Vibhavas i.e., venisting, dynasty ailments
penances and observation, fasting, mental Anguish excessive drinking. Over exercise too
much travel hunger, thirst, loss of sleep etc. Its abhinayas are performed through table
utterance, eye without luster, pale cheed, slow walk, absence of enthusiasm, thinness of
physical from change of colours etc.
Glani - week voice, lusterless eyes, pale face, slow gate, want of energy, loss of color of
the body and the limbs, change of voice and others.
SANKA (fearful suspicion): Sanka has reference to women person of low status.
Doubt is its basic feature it is practiced by vibhavas suchi as theft, robbing, seizing agiving
(diffaren) offence to the king, committees sinful deeds and the like it is being depicted on
the stage by means of constant looks on all sides keeping the face worried dryness of
mouth liking with tongue falls of face, tremors, arched lips, loss of vice etc....
Sanka - constantly looking about, hesitating movement, dryness of the mouth, licking the
lips, change of facial color, tremor, dry lips, change of voice and the like. Concealment of
appearance to be characterized by adoption of clever gestures according to some
authorities.
MADA (Inbriety): Mada originates for the use of intoxicating drinks it is of 3 types
of Bhavas attending upon. 1. Taruna (Matine excessive) 2. Madhya (Medium) 3. Avakrrta
(Law). Its causes are of 5 types. It shall be representedon the stage by the Anubhavas are
sleeping, laughing, singing, weeping and abuse of words.
Mada -
In case of superior persons – sleeping
Middling ones – laughing and singing,
Low ones – crying and using coarse words.
Stages of Mada –
(i) light smiling face, pleasant feeling, slightly faltering words, delicately unsteady gait.
(ii) medium drunken and rolling eyes, arms drooping or restlessly thrown about, irregularly
unsteady gait.
(iii) excessive loss of memory, incapacity to walk due to vomiting, hiccup, tick protruding
tongue and spitting. When there is panic, grief and increase of terror due to some cause,
intoxication is to be stopped by effort.
SRAMA (Exhaution, Fatigue): What is called srama is produced through the journey
along the road, indulging in physical exercise etc. are Vibhavas. It’s representation on the
stage is through the anubhavas such as massaging of the body, hearing of sights, twisting
of the mot, wrinkling of face ,wrinkling of Face, pressing of limbs, placing of steps slowly,
rolling of the eyes, and others.
Srama - gentle rubbing of the body, deep breathing, contraction of the mouth, belching,
massaging of the limbs, very slow gait, contraction of the eyes, making hissing sound.
ALASYA (Utte, Lethrgy): Alasya is produced through the Vibhavas like natural
inclination sound, walking, safely, pregency (In the case of woman), as well as persons of
mean nature.This is represented on the stage through anubhavas such as distate towards all
types of activities lying down, sitting quiet, drowsiness going to sleepand the like.
Alasya - aversion to any kind of work, lying down, sitting, drowsiness, sleep, etc.
CHINTA (Anxiety): Chinta is produced by the vibhavas such as loss of wealth, theft
of dear objects, poverty etc...It ispresented on the stage b means of Anubhavas such as
deep breath, sighs, sighs distress, contemplation, down caste face, using enunciation of the
body on the like.
Cinta - deep breathing, sighing, agony, meditation, thinking with a down-cast face,
thinness of the body, etc.
VRIDA (bashfulness, shame): Doing what should not have been done is the basic of
what is called Vrida. It originates from such vibhavas as disobedience to the elders. Others
not keeping words of promise, denying what is done, regret over what is committed and
other similar things. It should be represented on the stage by Anibhavas such as hiding the
face, bending head down, thinking and pondering drawing lines on the ground, touching
the ring, clothes etc. biting or pairing nails etc.
Vrida - covered face, thinking with down casting face, drawing lines on the ground,
touching cloths and the ring, biting the nails, etc.
SUPTA (Dreaming): Supta arises during sleep. The actor should represent this by
means of Anubhavas such as deep breathing, dullness of the body, closing of the eyes,
stupor of all senses, locus of sense and of after dreams etc.
Supta - deep breathing, dullness of the body, closing the eyes, stupefaction of all senses,
dreaming, talking while asleep, closing eyes softly.
VYADHI (Ailment): Vyadhi originates from vata (wind), pitta (Bali) and kapha (plegm), the
three humours and their cumulative effect, fever etc. are special effects of ailment.
Vyadhi -
(a) fever with a feeling of cold - shivering of the entire body, bending the body, shaking
the jaws, desire for heat, horripilation, movement of the chin, narrowing down the nasal
passage, dryness of the mouth, lamentation, etc.
(b) fever with a feeling of heat - throwing out cloths, the hands and the feet, desire to roll
on the ground, use f unguents, desire for coolness, lamentation, dryness of mouth, crying.
(c) other types of sickness - narrowing down the mouth, dullness of the body, downcast
eyes, deep breathing, making peculiar sounds, crying, tremor, etc.
Unmada - laughing and weeping without any reason, crying, irrelevant talk, lying down,
sitting and rising up, running, dancing, singing, reciting, smearing the body with ashes and
dust, taking grass and remains of flower-offering to deity, soiled clothes, rags, potsherd,
and earthen tray as decorations of the body, many other senseless acts, imitation of others
who are not present, etc.
Marana -
(a) from sickness - looseness of the body, motionless of the limbs, closed eyes, hiccup,
deep breathing, not looking towards surroundings people, indistinct words, etc.
(b) due to accidental injury -
(i) wounded by weapons - suddenly falling down on the ground, tremor, throbbing, etc.
(ii) snake bite or poison - gradual development of the following symptoms – thinness of
the body, tremor, burning sensations, hiccup, foaming mouth, breaking of the neck,
paralysis and death.
Trasa - contraction of limbs, shaking, tremor of the body, paralysis, horripilation, speaking
with choked voice, etc.
(3) Shanka/ Guilt (3)Sinful acts like, theft, (3) Looking around
robbery or offence against everymoment; veiling the
the king. face; drying of the mouth;
wetting the tongue; loss of
color of the face; breaking of
the voice; shivers; acting as if
one is
being suffocated
(12)Dhruti)ध्र (12) Bravery; knowledge; learning; power; (12)Enjoying things in li
तु pure actions; devotion of the teacher; which one has an
ि(Poise fulfillment of heart’s desires; gain of money; notsorrowing over things
sport, etc. the past or which are lost
destryed.
(13)Vrida( (13) Rudeness to and disregard for the elderly; (13) Clouded face;
िदृ inability to fulfil one’s vow; repentance, etc. head hung down;
ा) thinking; drawing
Remorse lines on the ground;
fidgeting with the end
of the garment or
ring;
biting the nails, etc.
(20)Autsukya (20) Separation from dear ones brought to (20)Deep sighing; head
)औत्सक्ु mind by looking at a garden, etc. hangingdown; thinking;
य( sleep; desire to lie down;
Longing getting lost in thoughts,
etc.
(25)Amarsa (25) Being insulted or berated by a person (25) Shaking of the head;
)अमर्(ष of superior learning, wealth or sweating profusely,thinking
Vengeanc
strength.
e with head
hanging
down;meditation,
etc.
se
ar
ch
in
g
re
m
ed
y
Gruffness beating;
scolding,
etc.
(28)Mati (28) Discussing the pros and cons of various learned (28)Advising the
) sciences and meditating. disciples;
मति(
Learning Explaining the
significance;
Dispelling
doubts.etc.
(29)Vyadh (29) Result of an attack of the wind, the (29)The whole
i bile and the phlegm. body shaking,
)व्याचध(
Disease shivering,
contracting,
Desiring warmth;
gooseflesh; jaw
chattering; mouth
dry;moaning
(These refer to
the
Diseases of cold).
The body
wisting,
especially the legs
And the hands;
desiring to lie down
On bare ground;
Desiring cold
things; mouth
dry;
Loud crying, etc.
(These refer to
diseases of
heart).
Face pinched;
limbs
Immobile and
numb; deep
sighing; eyes
lack
luster;
shaking;
screaming,etc.
(These refer to
other diseases).
(30)Unmada (30) Separation from dear ones; loss of (30)Laughing,
)उन्माद( wealth; accident; an attack of wind, bile crying, screaming
and phlegm.
Madness For no reason;
Irrelevant speech;
sitting lying,
getting
up, running,
dancing, singing in
fits; smearing the
Body with earth
and ashes, covering
oneself with grass,
Soiled cloth,
rags,
Broken piece of
claypots – in these
And other
manners; imitate
The actions of
Mentally ill
persons.
(31)Marana (31) (a) Due to disease; disorder of (31) (a) The
)मरण( intestine, liver, colic or tumor, etc. limbs becoming
numb;
Death Body becoming
loose; eyes
(b) Due to accident; struck fluttering or
by weapon; losed;
bitten by a snake. hiccough; labored
breathing; hardly
Seeing those who
Are around;
peaking with the
attendants in
very faint words,
etc.
(b) Struck by
weapon falling
down suddenly
to the ground,
twisting and
turning.Bitten by
snake-the eight
waves of stages
of snake
poisoning
such as weakness,
shivering, burning,
hiccoughing,
foaming, breaking
of the shoulders,
heaviness and
death.
(32)Trasa (32) Striking of the lightning; fall of a (32)The body
)त्रास( meteor; earthquake; roaring of the clouds or contracting;
Turbulenc e a huge supernatural being or a beast. shaking; shivering;
immobility; hair-
raising; fearful
voice; crying,
etc.
The Sattvika Bhavas are eight in number. They originate from the physical
form.
They are:
Stambha –Paralysis, shocking, - being inactive, smileless, being like inert object, limbs
drooping.
Sveda -- Sweating taking up the fan, wiping off sweat, looking for breeze.
Romanca -- horripilation (reflex erection of hairs of the skin in response to cold or
emotional stress or skin irritation) - repeated thrills, hair standing on end, touching the
body.
Svarasada --feebleness in the voice, change of voice, broken and choked voice.
Vepathu – Trembling (shaking or quivering, typically as a result of anxiety, excitement, or
frailty) quivering, throbbing and shivering, wiping the eyes of tears, shedding tear
incessantly.
Vaivarnya -- change of color, - alteration of the color of the face with effort by putting
pressure on the artery.
Asru -- Shedding tears, weeping, wiping the eyes full of tears, shedding tears incessantly.
Pralaya -- Loss of Sense, fainting, motionlessness, breathing gently (unnoticed), falling on
the ground.
(1) Sveda (1) Anger; fear; joy; shame; sorrow; (1) Taking up a fan;
)स्िेद( weariness; disease; agitation; accident; wiping away the
exercise; worry; etc. perspiration;
Perspiration
desiring breeze.
(2) Stambha (2)Joy; fear; disease; wonder; (2)Standing
)स्िंभ( dejection; disfavor. motionless; with
not so much as a
Immobility
tremor heavy and
empty with
limbs
benumbed.
(3) Vepathu (3)Cold; fear; joy; disfavor; touch; old age (3)Shaking;
)िेऩथ(ु shivering;
Trembling throbbing
(6)Romanca (6)Touch; fear; cold; joy; anger; (6) Making the hair on the
)रोमां (Hair- raising disease. body stand up; momentary
appearance of
goose-flesh
and
thrill by touch,
etc.
(7) (7) Fear; joy; anger; old age; dryness; (7)By different
Svarabhed disease; intoxication. tones, such as
a chocked,
) tremulous,
स्िरभे द( throbbing, etc.
Breaking
of voice
(8)Pralaya (8) Weariness; fainting fit; intoxication; (8) By falling down to the
)प्रऱय( sleep; accident; bewitchment. ground.
Chaos
The eight Sthayi Bhava-s evoke corresponding Rasa-s
1) The Erotic – Sringara –(1) in union---the Vibhavas-s are arises from determinants like
pleasures of season, the enjoyment of garlands, unguents, ornaments, going to a garden,
splendid mansions, etc. The Anubhava-s to be represented on the stage by consequents
such as clever movement of eyes, eyebrows, glances, soft and delicate movements of
limbs, sweet words, etc., Complimentary psychological states in it doesn’t include fear,
indolence, cruelty and disgust. The erotic sentiment (2) in separation should be
represented by consequents such as weakness, apprehension, envy, weariness, yearning,
sleep, dreaming, indifference, languor, fear, anger, jealousy, anxiety,insanity and other
conditions.
It is the desire for union or separation with the opposite gender. Hero/Heroine , pleasant
face, sweet words, glances are VIBHAVA.
Moonlight ambience (malayanilayam) good atmosphere are ANUBHAVA.
Passion, courage,inability to sleep or eat, jealousy, doubt, depression are all
VYBHICHARI BHAVAS.
Rati (love) is the STHAYI BHAVA OR STATIC EMOTION.
Then SRUNGARA RASA IS CREATED.
Thank you