Natyasastra

The Natyasastra is an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, attributed to the sage Bharata Muni, dated around the 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE. It serves as a comprehensive guide to drama, dance, and music, detailing essential elements such as storytelling, character development, and theatrical techniques. The text discusses various styles, emotions (rasa), and the importance of stagecraft. It has significantly influenced classical Indian theatre and continues to be a foundational work for practitioners and scholars in the performing arts, offering insights into the aesthetic and cultural dimensions of performance.