Sanskrit theatre Theatre of India

the earliest-surviving fragments of sanskrit drama date 1st century ce. wealth of archeological evidence earlier periods offers no indication of existence of tradition of theatre. ancient vedas (hymns between 1500 , 1000 bce among earliest examples of literature in world) contain no hint of (although small number composed in form of dialogue) , rituals of vedic period not appear have developed theatre. mahābhāṣya patañjali contains earliest reference may have been seeds of sanskrit drama. treatise on grammar 140 bce provides feasible date beginnings of theatre in india.

the major source of evidence sanskrit theatre treatise on theatre (nātyaśāstra), compendium date of composition uncertain (estimates range 200 bce 200 ce) , authorship attributed bharata muni. treatise complete work of dramaturgy in ancient world. addresses acting, dance, music, dramatic construction, architecture, costuming, make-up, props, organisation of companies, audience, competitions, , offers mythological account of origin of theatre. in doing so, provides indications nature of actual theatrical practices. sanskrit theatre performed on sacred ground priests had been trained in necessary skills (dance, music, , recitation) in [hereditary process]. aim both educate , entertain.

performer playing sugriva in koodiyattam form of sanskrit theatre.

under patronage of royal courts, performers belonged professional companies directed stage manager (sutradhara), may have acted. task thought of being analogous of puppeteer—the literal meaning of sutradhara holder of strings or threads . performers trained rigorously in vocal , physical technique. there no prohibitions against female performers; companies all-male, all-female, , of mixed gender. sentiments considered inappropriate men enact, however, , thought better suited women. performers played characters own age, while others played ages different own (whether younger or older). of elements of theatre, treatise gives attention acting (abhinaya), consists of 2 styles: realistic (lokadharmi) , conventional (natyadharmi), though major focus on latter.

its drama regarded highest achievement of sanskrit literature. utilised stock characters, such hero (nayaka), heroine (nayika), or clown (vidusaka). actors may have specialised in particular type. kālidāsa arguably considered india s greatest sanskrit dramatist, writing in ca. 4th century ce-ca. 5th century ce. 3 famous romantic plays written kālidāsa mālavikāgnimitram (mālavikā , agnimitra), vikramuurvashiiya (pertaining vikrama , urvashi), , abhijñānaśākuntala (the recognition of shakuntala). last inspired story in mahabharata , famous. first translated english , german. Śakuntalā (in english translation) influenced goethe s faust (1808–1832).

the next great indian dramatist bhavabhuti (c. 7th century ce). said have written following 3 plays: malati-madhava, mahaviracharita , uttar ramacharita. among these three, last 2 cover between them entire epic of ramayana. powerful indian emperor harsha (606-648) credited having written 3 plays: comedy ratnavali, priyadarsika, , buddhist drama nagananda.