A Historical and Cultural Study of The Natyasastra of Bharata

The Natyasastra of Bharata is well-known as an encyclopaedic work on different aspects of the theatrical arts, dance, drama and music. Since the arts, especially the theatre, constitute a mirror of society, the Natyasastra is a rich source for social and cultural history, which has remained largely untapped so far. The present work is the result of painstaking and competent research and seeks to reconstruct the image of society and culture revealed by Bharata. It is based on a highly commended doctoral dissertation accepted by the University of Allahabada. The author is a critical historian well-versed in Sanskrit and music. It is possibly the first work which expounds fully the musical system and ideas of Barata and explores the Abhinavabharati. The work should be interest to the students and scholars of social and cultural history as also to those interested in the arts, especially music.