Guest Lecture on Natyashastra

The Department of Languages organised a guest lecture on Natyashastra by Bharta Muni, on the 30th of August. In this session, we delved deep into the intricacies and nuances of the Rasas and the Bhavas of Bharata Muni’s Natyashastra, and how it is still relevant in modern day performing arts. The lecture aimed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the Natyashastra, a seminal text on Indian dramaturgy and aesthetics, attributed to the ancient sage Bharata Muni.

The lecture commenced with an overview of the Natyashastra, which is considered the foundational treatise on Indian dance, drama, and music, dating back to between 200 BCE and 200 CE. Dr. Lomash highlighted its comprehensive nature, covering a wide range of subjects from stage design, music, and dance to makeup, emotional expressions (rasas), and the dynamics of audience engagement. The speaker emphasised the text’s significance in preserving and promoting the aesthetics of classical Indian art forms. A particularly engaging segment of the lecture focused on the interplay between bhava (emotions) and rasa. The speaker discussed how an actor's portrayal of emotions (bhavas) must be nuanced and precise to elicit the desired emotional response (rasa) from the audience. The audience was introduced to the idea where multiple emotional states are blended to create complex and layered performances. Dr. Lomash cited examples from classical and contemporary Indian dramas and films to illustrate how this ancient theory continues to inform storytelling and character development in modern contexts. The latter part of the lecture was dedicated to examining the application of Natyashastra principles in contemporary art forms. The speaker highlighted the resurgence of interest in traditional Indian aesthetics within global theatre and dance communities. The influence of Natyashastra on modern interpretative dance, experimental theatre, and even cinema was discussed, with examples showcasing how directors and choreographers incorporate its techniques to enhance their narratives and connect with diverse audiences. The key points of the session included the incorporation of Natyashastra in Hindu Mythology and its relevance to Digital Humanities. The students deeply contemplated the complex concepts of these ancient texts, and were asked to come up with questions and theories that would sharpen their comprehension prowess and provide a deeper level of understanding of the fundamentals of Natyashastra.

A Question and Answer session followed, where the students engaged in discussions about the text & applicability in contemporary performance arts, and its influence on modern theatre and cinema. The lecture concluded with a vote of thanks to the guest lecturer for providing an enlightening perspective on this timeless classic. To conclude, the guest lecture was an enriching experience, providing the students with a comprehensive understanding of the Natyashastra and its significance in the world of performing arts. This session successfully bridged the gap between ancient knowledge and contemporary practice, delving deeper into the study of Indian aesthetics and their application in modern  performing arts.