Rasa Theory in English Literature
Natyashastra is an ancient Indian discourse on theatre with details about performing arts, theatrical techniques, dance, and music. It is believed to have been written during the period between 200 BC and 200 AD in Classical India and is attributed to the Sage 'Bharata'. He provides an extensive description of the genres of drama, plot structure, characters and their types, and doctrine of 'bhava' and 'rasa'. The significant contribution of this historic work is the theory of 'Rasa' which can be understood as a dynamic experience between the artist (the creator), the artistic expression (the work of art), and those who receive it (the audience). The artist experiences emotion and is so overwhelmed by it that he seeks a medium with which to express those feelings. The spectator or audience viewing the artist's work receives this emotion through the artist's medium and thus experiences the same emotion felt by the creator. According to Bharata, ...