THTR 1020 Chapter : Indian Sanskrit
Document Summary
Origin traces back to the god brahma who took the four vedas, sacred texts, and combined them to make a fifth called natya. Unlike the other vedas, natya was available to people of every class. Almost all knowledge about indian sanskrit theatre comes from the natyashastra (a treatise on. This treatise is believed to have been written anywhere between 200 bce and 200 ce, with its date of composition most likely marking the start of sanskrit drama. The natyasastra is the most complete work of dramaturgy in the entire ancient world. It covers everything about sanskrit theatre, including acting, dancing, music, make-up, costuming, props, the audience, competitions, and even offers an account of the mythological origin of theatre. This book gives us our only indication of the nature of the actual theatrical practices of indian sanskrit. The origins of sanskrit drama can be found as far back as the 1st century ce. Regarded as the highest achievement of sanskrit literature.
