The document discusses the theory of rasa from Indian aesthetics. It summarizes that rasa theory originated with Bharata and refers to the emotional flavors and essence conveyed in literary works that elicit diverse human emotions. It discusses the nine main rasas or sentiments depicted in drama - erotic, comic, pathetic, furious, heroic, terrible, odious, marvelous, and relaxation. Each rasa is defined and examples from literature are provided.

1. Theory of Rasa
Presented by- Urvi Dave
Class- M A
Semester- 2
Enrolment no.- 14101009
Batch Year- 2014-16
Paper no.- 7 (Literary Theory and Criticism)
Email id- dave.urvi71@gmail.com
Guidance- Dr. Dilip Barad
Submitted to- Smt. S B Gardi
Department of English
M K Bhavnagar University

2. • The rasa theory originates with Bharata in
Natyashastra. It claims that the object or meaning
that is sought to be conveyed in literary
compositions is in the nature of an emotional effect
of diverse human experience on man’s mind and
heart.
• Although the concept of rasa is fundamental to
many forms of Indian art including dance, music,
musical theatre, cinema and literature, the
treatment, interpretation, usage and actual
performance of a particular rasa differs greatly
between different styles and schools of abhinaya,
and the huge regional differences even within one
style.

3. • The Rasa theory has been accepted as the core
literary theory by all major poeticians both before
and after Abhinavagupta. In particular, the
discussion and analysis by Vishwanatha and Pt.
Jagannatha have contributed towards a more
subtle understanding of this theory.
• Rasa referring generally to the emotional
flavours means essence crafted into the work by
the writer and relished by a ‘sensitive spectator’
with positive taste and mind. Rasa is created by
Bhava.

4. Nine rhetorical sentiments recognised in drama and
dramatic presentation
Shringara
Hasya
Karuna Bhayanaka
Veer
Raudra Shant
Bibhatsa
Adabhut

5. Erotic sentiments (Shringara)
- Represents love and beauty
- Represents attractiveness
and devotion
- Example- Kalidasa-
Abhigyanshakuntalam/
Vishnu
- Colour- light green

6. Pathetic sentiments
(Karuna)
- Represents sadness,
compassion, pity or grief.
- Example- Kalidasa
(Abhigyanshakuntalam)/
Yama
- Colour- White

7. Comic Sentiment (Hasya)
- Represents laughter, joy or
mirth.
- Can be used to depict simple
joy, riotous laughter and
everything in between.
- Example- ravana (attahasya)
- Colour- White

8. Furious (Raudra)
- Represents anger
- Example- Shiva
- Colour- Red

9. Heroic (Veer)
- Represents courage,
pride, bravery and self
confidence.
- Example- Character of
Rama (Ramayana)/ Indra

10. Terrible (Bhayanaka)
- Represents horror or
terror, fear and anxiety.
- Example- character of
Rakshsha.
- Colour- Black

11. Odious (Bibhatsa)
- Represents disgust and
aversion.
- Emotion evoked by anything
that nauseates us, that revolts
or sickens us.
- Example- Prince Siddhartha/
Shiva
- Colour- Blue

12. Marvellous (Adabhuta)
- Represents wonder, mystery and
curiosity.
- Amazement one feels when one
comes across something divine
and supernatural.
- Example- Character of Rama/
Brahma
- Colour- Yellow

13. Relaxation (Shanta)
- Represents peace and
serenity and the state of
calmness.
- Example- Rama
- Colour- White