This document discusses the theory of rasa from Indian dramaturgy. It provides context for rasa theory in ancient Indian treatises. The structure of rasa theory is explained as involving vibhava, sthayibhava, sancaribhava, anubhava and sattvikabhava. Specifically, it focuses on the main sthayibhavas (emotions) that give rise to the eight primary rasas (aesthetic experiences). It then provides a brief summary of the story of Shakuntala, analyzing the dominant bhavas and rasas experienced by the audience when viewing the story. The document concludes by discussing how Indian drama and cinema aim to provide heightened audience experiences through emotionally ev

1. Theory of Rasa
 By
Prof.R.R.Borse,
 Asst.Prof. & Head,
 B.P. Arts, S.M.A.Science & K.K.C.Commerce
 College, Chalisgaon
 ravindraborse1@gmail.com

2. With reference to the drama “Shakuntala”
Original Writer: Kalidas
Presentation by Ravi Kumar
University of Ottawa

3. Structure of Presentation
 Context of rasa theory
 Structure of rasa theory
 Rasa theory in Action
 “Shakuntala”: Translation and Story Presentation”
 Discussion & Conclusion
 Audio –medial Clip

4. Context of rasa theory
Rasa theory finds its root in late vedic period in
Atharvaveda ( 200 BC-100 BC)
Bharatmuni (First century AD approx.) gave major
statement in his Book Natyashastra
Natyashatra is Indian treatise on the performing arts,
encompassing theatre, dance and music

5. Context of rasa theory
Bharatmuni says
“rasa is realization of one’s own
consciousness as colored by emotions”
“rasa and emotions cannot be expressed
directly through words, their essence being
immediate experience; so they can be only
suggested by words”

6. Structure of rasa theory
 The Rasa theory is built around the concept of bhava
which is subdivided into vibhava (विभि),
sthayibhava (स्थायी भाि), sancaribhava ( संकरी भाि),
anubhava (अनुभि) and sattvikabhava (सात्विक
भाि).
 Bharata enumerates forty-nine bhavas - it is a claim
about the range of human experience.

7. Structure of rasa theory

8. Structure of rasa theory
 Rasa is an emotion experienced by the audience created by the facial
expression or the Bhava of the actor. Our discussion will focus only on
following sthayibhavas (स्थायी भाि).
RASA BHAVA MEANING COLOUR
Shringar(love) Rati Love/delight Pale Light Green
Hasya (humorous) Hasa Laughter White
Karuna (Pathetic/kindly) Shoka Sorrow Grey
Raudra (furious) Krodh Anger Red
Veera (heroic) Utsaha Heroism PaleOrange
Bhayanaka (Fearful) Bhaya Fear Black
Bibhatsa (Odious) Jugupsa Hate/disgust Blue
Adbhuta (Wonderful) Vismaya Wonder Yellow
Shanta (Peaceful) Shanta Peace White

9. Rasa theory and the audience
Audience
Experts
Poets
Familiar
with text/
context
Buffons
Singers
Elders
Patrons

10. Whereas feelings and emotions when aroused by linguistic means are conditioned responses,
moods are not, and this is also a fundamental aspect of rasa; rasa is based on conditioned
responses, but in itself is something higher: we may call it unconditional or cultivated response.
Rasa can be experienced individually or collectively
Rasa
Representation of
objects
Natural situation
Known characters/
artists
Artists actions & their
physical expressions
of emotions
Awakened Emotion
Impersonal
contemplative mood

11. Shakuntala and its translation – the continued life
 Monier – Williams in 1855 ( colonial India)
 Kale in 1898 – Colonial India
 Chandra Rajan – Post –colonial India
 Currently there will be more 200 popular versions of
translation available in different languages.

12.  Upon Dushyanta’s requests, the boy took him to Shakuntala.
 Dushyanta meets Shakuntala and narrates about his memory
loss.
 He asked her to join him again and thus, the family gets
reunited.
Dominant Bhava: utsaha, vismaya shoka, rati, shanta
Dominant Rasa:veera, adbhuta, karuna, shringar, shanta
Audience gets heightened delight – the mixture of many rasas

13. Discussion and Conclusion
The answer may be sought in Indian Drama and Indian
Cinema where, a very careful approach is taken to
arouse the feelings of the viewers and provide
heightened experience through a story based on action,
love, romance, separation and reunion supported by
songs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBx0BH77L3E

14. THANK YOU.