“The Literary Dimensions of Bharata’s Aesthetic Rasa Theory"

Abstract

The doctrine of Rasa, a cornerstone of Indian aesthetics, occupies a central place in the tradition of dramatic and poetic theory. Conceived by the sage Bharata and codified in his seminal treatise, the Nāṭyaśāstra, the Rasa theory stands as a profound contribution of Indian thought to the global discourse on performance and emotion. Bharata’s formulation of the rasa-sūtra not only set the foundation for classical Indian dramaturgy but also emerged as the fundamental lens through which literary and artistic works were later interpreted. The essential objective of any dramatic, poetic, or performative art, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra, is to awaken the latent emotions within the audience and guide them toward a heightened aesthetic and spiritual experience. This paper endeavors to explore the intricate interplay of Bhāvas (emotional states) and Rasas (sentiments) as conceptualized by Bharata, offering a deeper understanding of the theory’s philosophical, artistic, and psychological dimensions.