(e-Content developed by Prof (Dr) N A Jarandikar) Introduction The Rasa Theory is the foundation of Indian literary and aesthetic criticism. It was first explained by Bharata in his famous Sanskrit text, the Nāṭyaśāstra (between 200 BCE and 200 CE). This theory explains how drama, poetry, dance, and other forms of art create an emotional experience for the audience. Meaning of Rasa The word ‘rasa’ literally means juice, flavour, or essence. In art, rasa means the emotional essence or flavour experienced by the audience. Just as food is enjoyed for its taste, literature and drama are enjoyed for their rasa. The actor/poet presents emotions (bhavas), and when the audience emotionally responds to them, rasa is produced. Bhava and Rasa Bharata explains that bhava (emotion shown by the actor) is the cause, and rasa (emotion experienced by the audience) is the effect. For example: On stage when a character weeps, it is termed as ‘bhava’. And after watching this when the audience feels ...
The e-contents are meant for the under-grad college students. The contents are designed and developed by the concerned teachers. The images are downloaded from internet sources and care is taken not to violate the copyright.
