Indian Drama

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Questions and Answers

In which language were the early Indian plays written?

Hindi

Pali

Tamil

Sanskrit (correct)

What is the name given to the early Indian plays due to their language?

Dravidian Plays

Vedic Plays

Prakrit Plays

Sanskrit Plays (correct)

Who was one of the most successful and popular playwrights of early Indian drama in the 3rd century?

Ashvaghosha

Bhavabhuti

Kalidasa (correct)

Bhasa

Which book details the characteristics, structure, and performance methods of early Indian drama?

Natyashastra Signup and view all the answers

Which century did the playwright Ashvaghosha belong to?

1st century Signup and view all the answers

What themes were commonly depicted in both Sanskrit and Greek plays?

Personal joy and sorrow, social, political, and economic issues Signup and view all the answers

Which playwright belonged to the 2nd century?

Bhasa Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the 'Natyashastra'?

Bharata Muni Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the earliest formal instance of theater performance?

Ancient Egypt Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered one of the first Greek playwrights?

Sophocles Signup and view all the answers

Which book by Aristotle discusses the nature and types of drama?

Poetics Signup and view all the answers

What primary elements were used by early humans in their informal dramatic expressions?

Dialogue, gestures, storytelling, music, dance, costumes, makeup Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of the world's first known drama, Osiris Passion Play?

Death and resurrection Signup and view all the answers

Which periods saw the flourishing of drama in ancient Greece?

5th-4th centuries BC Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient Greek playwright is known for his comedic works?

Aristophanes Signup and view all the answers

What term best describes Aristotle's book 'Poetics' in Bengali?

কাব্যতত্ত্ব Signup and view all the answers

The first known formal drama was based on the life of which Egyptian god?

Osiris Signup and view all the answers

Why did early humans unknowingly start using dramatic elements in their daily lives?

To communicate with each other effectively Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Indian Drama

Indian drama originated in ancient India, with plays written in Sanskrit language, hence known as "Sanskrit drama".
Notable playwrights of Sanskrit drama include Ashvaghosha (1st century CE), Bhasa (2nd century CE), and Kalidasa (3rd century CE).
A book on poetics, comparable to "Poetics", was written during that time, detailing the characteristics, structure, and acting techniques of Sanskrit drama. Bharat Muni wrote this book, titled "Natya Shastra".

Drama and Its Evolution

Drama has its roots in ancient times, with humans using language to communicate and express themselves.
In daily life, people unknowingly used elements of drama, such as dialogue, gestures, storytelling, music, dance, and costumes, which eventually developed into drama.
The first recorded performance of a drama was in ancient Egypt, where a play was written based on the story of Osiris, god of agriculture and life, and his resurrection.

Ancient Greece and India

Around the same time, drama evolved in ancient Greece and India.
In ancient Greece, notable playwrights such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes wrote plays, with a focus on tragedy and comedy.
Greek drama was rich and diverse, with tragedies exploring serious and somber topics, and comedies exploring lighter and more humorous themes.

Aristotle's Contribution

Aristotle, a renowned Greek philosopher, wrote a book on drama, detailing its characteristics, types, and the features of tragedy and comedy.
His book, "Poetics", also discussed the methods of writing a good drama.
"Poetics" has been translated into many languages, including Bengali, where it is known as "Kabyatattva".