Theory of RasaPresented by- Urvi DaveClass- M ASemester- 2Enrolment no.- 14101009Batch Year- 2014-16Paper no.- 7 (Literary Theory and Criticism)Email id- dave.urvi71@gmail.comGuidance- Dr. Dilip BaradSubmitted to- Smt. S B Gardi

Department of EnglishM K Bhavnagar University

• The rasa theory originates with Bharata in Natyashastra. It claims that the object or meaning that is sought to be conveyed in literary compositions is in the nature of an emotional effect of diverse human experience on man’s mind and heart.

• Although the concept of rasa is fundamental to many forms of Indian art including dance, music, musical theatre, cinema and literature, the treatment, interpretation, usage and actual performance of a particular rasa differs greatly between different styles and schools of abhinaya, and the huge regional differences even within one style.

• The Rasa theory has been accepted as the core literary theory by all major poeticians both before and after Abhinavagupta. In particular, the discussion and analysis by Vishwanatha and Pt. Jagannatha have contributed towards a more subtle understanding of this theory.

• Rasa referring generally to the emotional flavours means essence crafted into the work by the writer and relished by a ‘sensitive spectator’ with positive taste and mind. Rasa is created by Bhava.

Nine rhetorical sentiments recognised in drama and dramatic presentation

Shringara

Hasya

Karuna Bhayanaka

Veer

Raudra Shant

Bibhatsa

Adabhut

Erotic sentiments (Shringara)

- Represents love and beauty

- Represents attractiveness and devotion

- Example- Kalidasa-Abhigyanshakuntalam/ Vishnu

- Colour- light green

Pathetic sentiments (Karuna)

- Represents sadness, compassion, pity or grief.

- Example- Kalidasa (Abhigyanshakuntalam)/ Yama

- Colour- White

Comic Sentiment (Hasya)

- Represents laughter, joy or mirth.

- Can be used to depict simple joy, riotous laughter and everything in between.

- Example- ravana (attahasya)

- Colour- White

Furious (Raudra)

- Represents anger

- Example- Shiva

- Colour- Red

Heroic (Veer)

- Represents courage, pride, bravery and self confidence.

- Example- Character of Rama (Ramayana)/ Indra

Terrible (Bhayanaka)

- Represents horror or terror, fear and anxiety.

- Example- character of Rakshsha.

- Colour- Black

Odious (Bibhatsa)

- Represents disgust and aversion.

- Emotion evoked by anything that nauseates us, that revolts or sickens us.

- Example- Prince Siddhartha/ Shiva

- Colour- Blue

Marvellous (Adabhuta)

- Represents wonder, mystery and curiosity.

- Amazement one feels when one comes across something divine and supernatural.

- Example- Character of Rama/ Brahma

- Colour- Yellow

Relaxation (Shanta)

- Represents peace and serenity and the state of calmness.

- Example- Rama

- Colour- White