The Natyashastra, an ancient Sanskrit text attributed to the sage Bharata Muni, holds the distinction of being the earliest known treatise on the performing arts. Composed sometime between the 2nd–3rd centuries BCE and the 4th–5th centuries CE, the text remains foundational to India’s rich tradition of dance, music, and drama.
Containing 37 chapters and over 5,569 slokas (verses), the Natyashastra is a comprehensive manual that details the theory and practice of performing arts—from stage design, gestures, emotions, and costumes, to music and dramatic composition. It codifies concepts like rasa (aesthetic flavor or emotional essence), bhava (expression), and abhinaya (the art of expression), which still guide classical art forms across India.
Often revered as the fifth Veda, the Natyashastra bridges the gap between sacred and artistic knowledge. According to legend, Bharata Muni was instructed by the deity Brahma to create a new Veda combining elements of all four existing Vedas, thus making the performing arts accessible to all, including those excluded from traditional religious texts.
This ancient work forms the backbone of Indian classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, and more. Its influence also extends to theatre and music traditions, continuing to shape India’s cultural landscape even today.
Modern scholars and practitioners worldwide study the Natyashastra not only for its historical importance but also for its timeless insights into human expression, aesthetics, and storytelling. Over two millennia since its composition, it remains a living document—a rare feat in the world of art and literature.
