An Introduction to Rasa Theory

 

Indian Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy which deals with nature of art, beauty and taste. It also emphasises on creation and appreciation of beauty. The two main terms used in aesthetics are:

(i)Sensory    (it means relating to sensation or the physical senses; transmitted or perceived by the senses)

(ii) Emotional values

It is also known as Judgement of Sentiments and tastes. Aesthetics can be viewed as critical reflection on Art, Culture and Nature and it deal with works of Indian literature describing or signifying a particular Art Movement or theory.

Rasa Theory

The meaning of Rasa in Hindi or Sanskrit language is Ras which means juice or taste or essence of something. This aesthetic flavour is an essential element of any work of visual, literary, or performing art that can only be suggested, not described. Primarily Rasa was used in dramas, later on it was used in poetry also. Rasa basically has more of practical implementation than description; it is very difficult to describe or give an absolute definition to Rasa but, essentially a writer uses Rasa to convey his feelings and emotions to the reader. Rasa theory was mentioned in chapter six of  Natyashastra written by a hermit known as Bharata Muni. A detailed description of Rasa Theory was given by Abhanavgupta (c. 1000) who was a Kashmiri Shaivite Philosopher, rhetorician and philosopher . He applied it to all varieties of theatre and poetry.

 

 

The primary aim of “Rasa” during a drama, performance or while reading poetry is to make the  audience or reader happy and to entertain them.  It evokes the emotional response from the receiver’s side. But, there is a slight change in Rasa concept of Indian Aesthetics. Its supreme aim is to portray the reality to the audience.  The author wants to show the reality to the audience or make them feel by the medium of drama or performance. To make them feel that joy or wonder and to answer that questions that the reader gets while reading the work.

 

 

Rasa Theory can be seen everywhere in India as it is reflected from all the major Indian art forms like:

Dance

Music

Drama

Poetry

 Painting etc.

 

According to  Rigveda , there are six types of Rasa but, later in  Natyashastra,  we get a description of eight types of Rasa. Each Rasa is having its own presiding deity which may be a god or goddess and a specific colour to indicate each of the Rasa.

Shringar Rasa

means the rasa indicating romance and love. It can be seen in many of the dramas dealing with love stories and it is easily visible in Indian retro movies which had loud expressions like drama. Lord Vishnu ids the Presiding deity and the colour representing romance and love is green colour.

 

Hasya Rasa

 denotes laughter and comedy. Lord Ganesha is the presiding deity of Hasya Rasa, Ganesha is also known as Vighnaharta (means one who clears all the obstacles in our life). It is believed that He can prevent all our troubles and obstacles and lead us to our success. White colour is used to symbolize the hasya rasa.

 

Raudra Rasa

 denotes fury or anger. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva also known as Rudra. It is believed that Lord Shiva is very innocent and so he can be easily pleased and he gets very furious quickly. At the same time he is very generous towards the good people. Red colour indicates the raudram rasa. In western culture also red indicate poverty and violence or bloodshed and thereby supporting thisconcept.

 

Karunya Rasa

 denotes compassion and mercy on seeing a tragedy . For example when we see Shakespeare’s tragedy we develop a compassion towards the hero. Lord Yama who is believed to take our souls to Yamlok after our death is the presiding deity of Karunya rasa. It is symbolized by the dove colour or grey colour.

 

Bhibhatsa Rasa

denotes disgust or aversion. The Odious (Bibhatsa) Rasa has the dominant state of disgust. It is derived from determinants such as hearing of unpleasant, offensive, impure, harmful things or seeing and discussing them. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva and the colour is blue.

 

Bhayanaka Rasa

 shows horror and terror. It depicts fear and worries. Bhayanaka is a feeling evoked while facing something that is more powerful than oneself; it's a feeling of being helpless.  Fear in audience creates this rasa. For example the opening scene of  Macbeth (Shakespeare’s famous tragedy)  which shows the three witches induces some sort of terror in the audience. The presiding deity of this Rasa is Devi Kalarathri. It is denoted by the black colour.

 

Veeram Rasa(Vir Rasa):

 symbolizes or portrays heroism. Its presiding deity is Lord Indra, who is the king of heaven and it is believed that he is responsible for bringing the rain and thunder. It is expressed using saffron colour.

 

Adbhuta Rasa

 expresses wonder and amazement. It has the creator Bhrahma(Brahma) as its deity. Yellow colour is used to express this rasa.

 

 One more Rasa that was added later on

Shanti Rasa

which indicates peace, Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of Shanti rasa and it is indicated with white colour.