Indian Theatre Traditions Drama, Music and Dance

Introduction To understand the origin, growth and development of theatrical traditions, it will be necessary to talk about the Indian subcontinent and not confine it to the present-day political boundaries. Simultaneously, it would include an in-depth discussion on philosophy and religious precepts and the plurality that is its strength. It is usual for any country to have a multitude of art form. However, India is perhaps, the only country that has eight recognized distinct classical dance styles. Because of the multi -ethnic constituents, it also has various folk, martial, devotional and classical art traditions, whether in the field of drama, music or dance.

Spirituality forms the key element behind this tradition, in all its domain and representations. They rise above mere 'entertainment' or 'sensual enjoyment'. It is owing to this approach and belief that the practice of performing arts is perceived as one of the paths of meditation. To begin, the basic word 'OM', is none other than the sound of void or `shunya', of 'nothingness' or beyond all things. It is the sound of the infinite. Movement of particles in such a vacuum dances a 'dance' that according to physicist Schrodinger bears a close resemblance to the figure of `Natraj' in Hindu philosophy. Natarar, to elaborate, is the epithet given to Lord Shiva when he danced the awesome 'cosmic dance of creation'. Thus was born the philosophy of movements and dance and of spirituality in its perception. Also, from such a 'void' emanated the infinite 'music of the cosmos' called the `nad Brahman', which forms the basis of the Indian music system.

The Upanishads recognize the fact that not only are there many paths to attain Godhead or the Ultimate Truth but also that he is called by various names. In other words, `ekam sat viprah bahuda vadanti'.

Origin of the Words 'Hindu' and 'Indian' `Hindu' appears as `Hlidu' in Persian literature during the time of Emperor Darius (522-486 BC) and was also referred to by Xerxes (486-465 BC), both referring to people and territory to the west and to the east of River Sindhu (that is River Indus as it is known today). However, the people of this region called the mighty river with its tributaries `Sapta Sindhu' (`Sapta' meaning seven and `Sindhu' being the name of the river). The Naqhi-I-Rustam Inscriptions of Darius and the Persepolis Inscriptions of Xerxes are pointers to it for in these references all words with the Sanskrit `sa' have been changed to 'ha'. Hence, `Sapta Sindhu' was referred to as 'Hapta Hindu' or 'Halm Hindu'.

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