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The Natya Shastra is a notable ancient treatise influencing dance, music, and literary traditions in India. It is notable for its aesthetic 'Rasa theory'. What does the theory assert?​
  • a)
    Performance of arts is intended purely for entertainment.
  • b)
    Pleasure and happiness are the foundations of a human's life.
  • c)
    The primary goal of ragas in music is to give it a natural flavour, one that appeals to all creatures and not only human beings.
  • d)
    Performance of arts is a tool to raise individual consciousness for spiritual upliftment.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The Natya Shastra is a notable ancient treatise influencing dance, mus...
Explanations:
  •  
    It asserts that entertainment is the desired effect of performance arts but not the primary goal. The primary goal is to transport the individual in the audience into another parallel reality, full of wonder. He experiences the essence of his own consciousness and reflects on spiritual and moral questions.
  •  
    This is similar to the Sufi's views on music, chanting, and its spiritual potential to connect with the divine.
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The Natya Shastra is a notable ancient treatise influencing dance, mus...
The Natya Shastra, an ancient treatise on the performing arts, is a significant influence on dance, music, and literary traditions in India. One of the notable aspects of this treatise is its aesthetic Rasa theory, which asserts that the performance of arts is a tool to raise individual consciousness for spiritual upliftment. Let's explore this theory in detail.

Explanation:
The Rasa theory, as described in the Natya Shastra, revolves around the concept of "Rasa," which can be translated as "aesthetic flavor" or "emotional essence." According to this theory, the primary goal of performing arts is to evoke specific emotional experiences in the audience, leading to a heightened state of consciousness and spiritual upliftment. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Rasa: The theory suggests that the performance of arts aims to evoke specific emotions or Rasas in the audience. These Rasas include love, joy, compassion, anger, fear, disgust, heroism, and wonder. Each Rasa is associated with a specific emotional experience and is conveyed through various artistic elements such as music, dance, acting, and poetry.

2. Bhava: To evoke Rasas, the Natya Shastra emphasizes the importance of Bhava, which refers to the expression of emotions by the performer. Bhavas are the psychological states or emotional gestures that enable the audience to experience the intended Rasa. The performer's mastery of Bhava is crucial in effectively communicating the desired emotional essence.

3. Sthayi Bhavas: The Natya Shastra identifies eight primary Sthayi Bhavas, which are the fundamental emotional states that form the basis of all Rasas. These include love (shringara), laughter (hasya), sorrow (karuna), anger (raudra), courage (vira), fear (bhayanaka), disgust (vibhatsa), and astonishment (adbhuta). By portraying these Sthayi Bhavas, performers can elicit corresponding emotional responses in the audience.

4. Rasas and Bhavas: The Natya Shastra further explains the relationship between Rasas and Bhavas. Each Rasa is associated with a specific dominant Bhava. For example, love (shringara) is associated with the Bhava of erotic sentiment, while anger (raudra) is associated with the Bhava of fury. The successful depiction of these Bhavas helps to create the intended Rasa in the audience.

5. Spiritual Upliftment: The ultimate aim of the Rasa theory is to elevate the audience's consciousness and provide them with a spiritual experience. By evoking different Rasas and engaging the audience's emotions, the performance becomes a means of transcendence, allowing individuals to experience a connection with the divine and attain spiritual upliftment.

In conclusion, the Natya Shastra's Rasa theory asserts that the performance of arts is a tool to raise individual consciousness for spiritual upliftment. By evoking specific emotions through the portrayal of Bhavas, performers aim to create Rasas and provide the audience with a profound aesthetic and spiritual experience. This theory has had a significant impact on the development of dance, music, and literary traditions in India and continues to shape artistic practices to this day.
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The Natya Shastra is a notable ancient treatise influencing dance, music, and literary traditions in India. It is notable for its aesthetic Rasa theory. What does the theory assert?a)Performance of arts is intended purely for entertainment.b)Pleasure and happiness are the foundations of a humans life.c)The primary goal of ragas in music is to give it a natural flavour, one that appeals to all creatures and not only human beings.d)Performance of arts is a tool to raise individual consciousness for spiritual upliftment.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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The Natya Shastra is a notable ancient treatise influencing dance, music, and literary traditions in India. It is notable for its aesthetic Rasa theory. What does the theory assert?a)Performance of arts is intended purely for entertainment.b)Pleasure and happiness are the foundations of a humans life.c)The primary goal of ragas in music is to give it a natural flavour, one that appeals to all creatures and not only human beings.d)Performance of arts is a tool to raise individual consciousness for spiritual upliftment.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The Natya Shastra is a notable ancient treatise influencing dance, music, and literary traditions in India. It is notable for its aesthetic Rasa theory. What does the theory assert?a)Performance of arts is intended purely for entertainment.b)Pleasure and happiness are the foundations of a humans life.c)The primary goal of ragas in music is to give it a natural flavour, one that appeals to all creatures and not only human beings.d)Performance of arts is a tool to raise individual consciousness for spiritual upliftment.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The Natya Shastra is a notable ancient treatise influencing dance, music, and literary traditions in India. It is notable for its aesthetic Rasa theory. What does the theory assert?a)Performance of arts is intended purely for entertainment.b)Pleasure and happiness are the foundations of a humans life.c)The primary goal of ragas in music is to give it a natural flavour, one that appeals to all creatures and not only human beings.d)Performance of arts is a tool to raise individual consciousness for spiritual upliftment.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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