Bharata's Rasa Theory

 (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 sadness, it is termed as the karuna rasa.

The Rasas

According to Bharata, there are eight rasas:

1. Shringar rasa: produced by love.
   
   

2. Hasya rasa: produced by laughter.
   
   

3. Raudra rasa:  produced by anger.
   
   

4. Karuṇa rasa:  produced by ‘shok’ or grief.
   
   

5. Vira rasa: produced by energy.
   
   

6. Bhayanaka rasa: produced by bhaya or fear.
   
   

7. Bibhatsa rasa: produced by disgust.
   
   

8. Adbhuta rasa: produced by surprise and astonishment.
   
   

Later, Kashmiri philosopher Abhinavagupta added the ninth rasa:

9. Shanta rasa: produced by equilibrium, and detachment.

Importance of Rasa Theory

1. The rasa theory explains the goal of art which is not just storytelling, but creating emotional experience.
   
   

2. The rasa theory has universal emotional appeal. The emotions shown on stage are transformed into universal feelings. For example, the personal grief becomes karuṇa rasa for all.
   
   

3. Influence on Indian arts – Rasa Theory shaped drama, poetry, dance, music, sculpture, and even modern cinema.
   
   

4. Rasa theory is an Indian concept of aesthetic experience.The Western theories focus on ‘imitation' whereas Indian thought focuses on emotional experience.

Conclusion

The Rasa Theory highlights that the true success of art lies in awakening rasa in the audience. By evoking joy, sorrow, wonder, fear, or peace, literature and performance connect individuals to universal human emotions. This makes Bharata’s Rasa Theory one of the most enduring and influential contributions to world aesthetics.