In a remarkable insight into India’s rich musical and theatrical heritage, the Natyashastra, the ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts, has been identified as the earliest source mentioning Prakrit-language songs used in classical drama. These songs, known as dhruvas, were integral to stage performances and are among the earliest examples of popular (Prakrit) musical compositions.
Composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, the Natyashastra outlines five types of dhruvas, each serving a unique dramatic function—setting the mood, indicating location, and portraying character. These fixed melodic pieces were typically performed by a choir, enhancing the emotional depth and clarity of the scene.
Importantly, the dhruvas were originally composed in Prakrit, the vernacular language of the people, rather than in elite Sanskrit. This demonstrates an early effort to connect drama and music with the common audience, reflecting the social and cultural inclusivity of classical Indian theatre.
Historians and musicologists view these dhruvas as foundational elements in the evolution of Indian musical forms, blending narrative, melody, and accessibility. Their mention in the Natyashastra reveals that the roots of India’s popular musical traditions were laid over two millennia ago, embedded deeply in theatrical storytelling.
