Question

Name the ancient Indian treatise of the performing arts which encompasses theater, dance and music?

• A. Abhinayadarpanam
• B. Abhinaya Chandrika
• C. Natyashastra
• D. Sangeet Ratnakara

Hint:

When a question asks for a single, all-encompassing ancient text on performing arts, the answer is almost always the Natyashastra. Think of it as the encyclopedia or the root text from which other arts branched out.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify a comprehensive ancient Indian text that covers all major performing arts: theatre, dance, and music.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- The Natyashastra, attributed to the sage Bharata Muni, is the most ancient and exhaustive treatise on the performing arts in India. It is often called the "fifth Veda" and serves as the foundational text for classical Indian drama, dance (Natya), and music (Gandharva).
- Abhinayadarpanam and Abhinaya Chandrika are important texts, but they focus more specifically on dance techniques (Abhinaya).
- Sangeet Ratnakara by Sarangadeva is a monumental 13th-century text, but it primarily focuses on music and dance, and is from a much later period than the Natyashastra.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Natyashastra is the earliest and most comprehensive treatise that encompasses theatre, dance, and music.