Question

Which of the following texts is related to dance?
(A) Sangītaratnākara
(B) Nātyaśāstra
(C) Nṛttasutra
(D) Abhinav Candrikā
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

When faced with questions about ancient texts, focus on the most well-known and foundational works. The Nāṭyaśāstra is the cornerstone of Indian performing arts. Names like 'Nṛtta' or 'Saṅgīta' in the title are strong clues to their content. Be cautious of unfamiliar or obscure text names.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify which of the listed ancient Indian texts are related to the art of dance. We need to evaluate the subject matter of each text.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each text:
(A) Saṅgītaratnākara: Authored by Śārṅgadeva in the 13th century, this is a monumental treatise on Indian classical music and dance. It is considered a foundational text for both Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions and has a dedicated chapter on dance (Nartanādhyāya). Thus, it is related to dance.
(B) Nāṭyaśāstra: Attributed to the sage Bharata Muni, this is the most ancient and comprehensive treatise on performing arts in India. It covers all aspects of drama, music, and dance in great detail, making it the primary source for classical Indian dance forms. Thus, it is fundamentally related to dance.
(C) Nṛttasūtra: The name itself translates to "Aphorisms on Dance" (Nṛtta means pure dance). While not as widely known as the Nāṭyaśāstra, references to Nṛttasūtras exist, for example, in the work of the grammarian Pāṇini. These texts specifically codify the principles of dance. Thus, it is related to dance.
(D) Abhinav Candrikā: This text is not a commonly known or standard work in the primary canon of dance literature like the other three. While Abhinavagupta was a famous commentator on the Nāṭyaśāstra (his commentary being the Abhinavabhāratī), "Abhinav Candrikā" is not one of his widely recognized works on dance. It is likely included as a distractor.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Based on the analysis, the Sangītaratnākara, Nātyaśāstra, and Nṛttasutra are all established texts related to dance. Therefore, the correct option includes (A), (B), and (C).