ABSTRACT
Dramaturgy in India is an age-old concept. In fact, Natyasastra: Treatise on Ancient Indian Dramaturgy and Histrionics, Ascribed to Bharata Muni is the most authentic book on Indian dramaturgy, a book of 36 chapters, dating back to the seventh or the eighth century. Discussions over authenticity of authorship still continue to this day. The original concept is said to have been composed by Lord Brahma (Lord of Creation, according to Hindu mythology) as mentioned in its first chapter; however, in the last chapter, the story claims that it was re-written or edited by Vatsya, Sandilya, Kohala, and Dattila, who are better famed as the descendants of Bharata. Bharata sent his descendants to earth to perform various natyas (plays) in King Nahusa’s palace. They stayed, married, and even fathered children here on earth. And thus drama flourished.
