Natyashastra Manuscripts

The Natyashastra Manuscripts are ancient Indian texts that serve as foundational guides for classical Indian performing arts, especially drama and theater. Attributed to the sage Bharata, they outline principles of stagecraft, acting, dance, music, and audience engagement, effectively functioning as an early manual for theatrical performance. These manuscripts contain detailed instructions on various aspects of drama creation, techniques for expressing emotions (bhavas), and the aesthetic principles (rasas) that evoke specific feelings. Preserved in multiple manuscripts, they are invaluable for understanding classical Indian art forms and their historical development.