Natya Sastra Of Bharatamuni-4 Volumes Set - Sanskrit - English | by guptacarya, Abinava R.S.Nagar/Dance Book
"Discover the enduring insights of performance and creativity with this valuable piece of Indian culture. "
• Introduction to the book:
The Natya Sastra is an old Indian text about the arts of performance. It is often called the base of drama theory and artistic expression. This book about dance, which is also known as the natyaveda, looks into the details of theater, music, and dance styles, providing deep advice on how to perform, manage a stage, express emotions, and appreciate beauty.
This version offers a detailed and easy-to-understand look at the Natya Sastra, making it a key resource for students, performers, and researchers interested in Indian art. By learning from this Natyaveda, readers can understand the culture, spirituality, and artistic traditions that continue to motivate artists even after many years.
• Story about the book:
The Natya Sastra by Bharatamuni is one of the most important and impactful writings in Indian literature and the performing arts. Written by the wise man Bharata, it is more than just a book about dance; it is a complete guide on theater, music, dance, and beauty. Created in Sanskrit between 200 years before and 200 years after Christ, it is often called the fifth Veda or natyaveda because it was believed to be made by the gods to share spiritual knowledge and cultural morals in a way that everyone could understand and enjoy.
It discusses stage setup, music, dialogue, movements, costumes, makeup, the audience, stories, and even how divine energy plays a part in art. Most importantly, the Natya Sastra shares the idea of Rasa—the emotional feeling that art should bring out in people watching. This idea is still crucial to Indian art theory today.
The Natya Sastra is not just for entertainment; it helps combine spiritual beliefs with artistic creation. Bharata teaches how drama and dance aren't only for show but also ways to teach morals, promote social unity, and uplift the spirit. Because of this, it is called the natyaveda, representing special knowledge that blends philosophy, psychology, and performance.
This important dance book has shaped not only Indian classical dance and theater but also poetry, sculpture, building design, and literature for many years. Styles like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, and Kuchipudi stem from the guidelines set by Bharata. The level of dramatic theory it shares is unmatched, making it a classic guide for artists, scholars, and art enthusiasts.
By offering a complete approach, the Natya Sastra dramatic theory connects art and life. It highlights that the main goal of performance is not just to entertain but also to raise awareness, inspire thought, and link people to the larger universe.
• Story about the author:
Dr. R. S. Nagar is a well-known expert, translator, and interpreter of old Sanskrit writings, especially those related to Indian art, philosophy, and performance. With many years of careful study and research, he has become a leading figure in understanding ancient texts that are important to Indian culture and spirituality. People value his work because he combines serious research with clear explanations, making tough concepts easy to understand for students, researchers, and artists.
His research on the Natya Sastra shows not only how skilled he is with Sanskrit but also how much he understands the details of drama and performance history. He has spent his career uncovering the hidden gems of Indian literature that were hard to access before because of language barriers and interpretation issues. By creating critical editions, translations in English, and detailed studies, R. S. Nagar has made it possible for readers worldwide to dive into the rich wisdom of the Natyaveda.
Unlike many academic writings that only reach other researchers, Nagar’s books connect traditional ideas with modern thoughts. He honors the importance of ancient texts while also making them relevant for today’s readers. This combination of staying true to the original and being easy to read makes his work especially important for both scholars and those who perform Indian art.
Through his vast study of the Natya Sastra, Nagar has not only helped keep a key piece of Indian culture alive but has also sparked new interest in classical dance, theater, and music. His hard work helps ensure that this important text remains a source of guidance for many future artists and thinkers, highlighting its status as the Natyaveda – the sacred text for performing arts.
• Why should you use or read the book?
This book is a must-have for anyone who loves Indian art and performance. Whether you are a dancer, actor, student of traditional arts, or researcher, it gives you a clear look at the Natya Sastra and the Natyaveda, and dramatic theory, helping you grasp the artistic, technical, and spiritual aspects of performance. Reading this dance book will deepen your understanding of the cultural roots behind dance and theater, making it not just a practical tool but also a thoughtful work of art.
Order now and bring home the wisdom of the Natya Sastra—a book that reveals the core of dramatic theory and the everlasting heritage of the Natyaveda!