English Literature and Language

Introduction to Abhinaya Abhinaya, the cornerstone of Indian performative traditions, is the art of expressive communication that bridges the performer and the audience. Rooted in the  Natyashastra  (composed by Sage Bharata Muni), it is derived from the Sanskrit root  ni  (to lead) and the prefix  abhi  (towards), meaning "to carry the performance toward the audience." Key Concepts: Purpose:  To convey  Artha  (meaning),  Bhava  (emotion), and evoke  Rasa  (aesthetic experience). Mechanism:  Uses body, speech, costumes, and internal states to create a multisensory experience. Fourfold System: Angikabhinaya  (Physical expression) Vacikabhinaya  (Verbal expression) Aharyabhinaya  (External adornment) Satvikabhinaya  (Internal temperament) Abhinaya harmonizes these elements to realize  Rasa , the ultimate goal of Indian dramaturgy. I. Vacikabhinaya: The Power of Speech (Natyashastra Chapters 14–...

  Discovering the Foundations of Indian Performing Arts & Literary Criticism Introduction to Indian Poetics Introduction: The Origin of Dramatic Art The  Natyashastra , accredited to the sage Bharata Muni, stands as India’s oldest surviving discourse on performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance, music, and poetics. Composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, it is well-regarded as the  Natyaveda  (Fifth Veda), synthesizing foundations from the four Vedas: speech ( Rigveda ), song ( Samaveda ), acting ( Yajurveda ), and emotion ( Atharvaveda ).  Bharata systematized pre-existing artistic traditions into 6,000 verses, creating an encyclopaedic guide for creators, performers, and audiences. Unlike earlier fragmented works (e.g., by Parasara or Narada), the  Natyashastra  offers a complete framework for  natya  (drama) as a vehicle for moral education, aesthetic pleasure, and spiritual elevation. I. Core Poetics & Literary Thoughts The...

  Indian poetics is a vast and intricate field that encompasses literary theories, aesthetics, and critical frameworks developed over thousands of years. Unlike Western literary criticism, which often focuses on structural and post-structural analysis, Indian poetics emphasizes the experiential, emotional, and philosophical dimensions of literature. It is deeply rooted in classical Sanskrit traditions but has evolved through regional (Bhasha) literatures, Persian influences, and modern reinterpretations. Why Study Indian Poetics? Provides indigenous frameworks for analyzing literature. Bridges the gap between classical and contemporary literary studies. Offers insights into the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of Indian literature. Encourages interdisciplinary approaches (literature, philosophy, linguistics, performance studies). This newsletter explores two major domains: Sanskrit Poetics (the classical foundation) and Poetics in Indian Bhasha Literature (regional adap...