Back to the root...origin of dance

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The natya shastra created by sage Bharata we all know this. But why this shastra is to be created? For the answer we have to go million year's ago.


When the sage Bharata was asked by his fellows to explain the origin of Natyaveda, he replied that after the golden age and during the silver age the people of the world had strayed from a righteous path, and become subject to greed, jealousy & anger, so that their " happiness mixed with sorrow." The gods then asked Brahma to devise a fifth veda which could be seen as well as heard & which would belong to all the people, since the shudras were forbidden to listen to recitations of the four vedas. So Brahma agreed to creat fifth veda which include, "duty, wealth, as well as fame and contain good counsel...." Which would be enriched by the teaching of all the scriptures and give a review of all arts and crafts.

Bharata's natyashastra translated by Manmohan ghosh

After creation Brahma taught the veda to Bharata. Bharata in turn instructed his hundred sons, who followed him in becoming authorities on music, dance & drama. 
Then they prepared for a performance. For adding graceful style in his play Brahma created from his mind Apsaras or nymphs for this purpose. 
An apsara


The drama finally played during the banner festival of Indra. But certain demons who had sneaked in took offence at the dramatisation of their defeat and saw to it that the actors lost their memories and movement. Indra divined what happened and taking up the finest banner staff. He then gave this staff or jarjara to the players for their protection. But the demons continued to harass the actors. The Brahma advised Bharata to build a playhouse.

An Indian stage according to Bharta muni

This done and its various parts were protected by different deities. Brahma himself protected the middle of the stage and that is why flowers are symbolically scattered on it at the beginning of every performance.




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