Why this matters now
Theatre forms — matching folk theatre to its region — are tested in prelims, and the Natyashastra is a key text in performing arts.
Classical Sanskrit theatre
The Natyashastra of Bharata Muni (the foundational treatise on drama, dance and music) codified the theory of rasa and abhinaya. Classical Sanskrit drama produced playwrights like Kalidasa, Bhasa and Sudraka. Koodiyattam (Kerala) — the oldest surviving Sanskrit theatre — is a UNESCO Intangible Heritage form.
Folk and regional theatre
- Ramlila / Raslila — north India;
- Jatra — Bengal; Nautanki — UP; Bhavai — Gujarat;
- Tamasha — Maharashtra; Yakshagana — Karnataka;
- Therukoothu — Tamil Nadu; Bhand Pather — Kashmir; Ankia Naat — Assam; Swang, Powada.
Significance
Folk theatre blends music, dance, dialogue and storytelling (often mythological/social themes), preserving oral traditions and engaging communities. Modern Indian theatre and the Sangeet Natak Akademi sustain and promote these living traditions.
UPSC angle
Know the Natyashastra (Bharata, rasa), Koodiyattam (UNESCO), and match folk theatre to region: Jatra (Bengal), Nautanki (UP), Tamasha (Maharashtra), Yakshagana (Karnataka), Bhavai (Gujarat).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Natyashastra?
The ancient foundational treatise on drama, dance and music by Bharata Muni, which codified the theory of rasa.
What is Koodiyattam?
The oldest surviving Sanskrit theatre tradition, from Kerala, recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Name some folk theatre forms of India.
Jatra (Bengal), Nautanki (UP), Tamasha (Maharashtra), Yakshagana (Karnataka) and Bhavai (Gujarat).
What is rasa?
The aesthetic essence or emotional flavour evoked in the audience, central to Indian performing-arts theory.