Nrityanjali Theatre presents “NavRas” Expressions of Indian Dance

Indian Classical Dance has several dimensions to it. One such is NavRas the nine (9) expressions/emotions.
Significance of Rasa

Rasa has a very rich meaning in ancient Indian aesthetics but what it essentially conveys relates to the work as rightly contemplated. Rasa is said to be the juice or the essence of the artwork. A work’s distinctive quality is not a matter or more sight or discovery but calls for some introspection and absorption.

The NavRas are detailed in the Natya Shastra , a Sanskrit treatise on Dramaturgy written by Bharata Muni around approximately 200BC. It is suggested that Rasa comes into being when the contemplator’s mind is swayed by a guna known as Sattva (Purity). The most important marks of the mental state here because of sattvaguna are serenity and poise , heightened awareness, the feeling of being elevated and disinterested delight or joy without craving (Ananda). Generally aesthetic experience is a state of restful contemplation, and it is in no case a state of desire or craving.

The nine (9) NavRas, the nine emotions that encapsulate the human experience are:

1. Love – Shringar
2. Laughter – Hasya
3. Veera – Heroism
4. Karuna – Compassion
5. Raudra – Anger
6. Bhayam – Fear
7. Bibhatsa – Disgust
8. Adbhutam – Wonder
9. Shantam – Contemplation

One is however aware that NavRas are not an exclusive list of emotions nor are they isolated. They are a part of a continuous process which is the flow of life itself.