Understanding Navras in Indian Arts

Art and Emotions

• Art is an expression of all characteristics of the human mind aesthetically, encompassing varied human emotions known as 'RAS'.
• 'RAS' in Hindi literally means a sugary juice, signifying the ultimate satisfaction of 'aanand'.

Navras and Indian Art Forms

• Human emotions can be categorized into nine sub-headings or 'navras'.
• Music, dance, and drama are three integral aspects of Indian culture that reflect human emotions.
• Singing, dancing, and acting are attributes of performing arts.

Indian Music Tradition

• Music has been the most popular art form of India from time immemorial.
• The earliest tradition of Indian music may be traced to Sama Veda, which contained slokas that were put to music.
• Chanting of Vedic hymns with prescribed pitch and accent still form a part of religious rituals.

Bharata's Natyashashtra

• The earliest text dealing exclusively with performing arts is Bharata's Natyashashtra, compiled between 2nd century BC and 2nd century AD.
• The text has six chapters on music.

Patronage and Association with Worship

• Many rulers such as Samudragupta, King Bhoja of Dhara, and King Someshavra of Kalyana patronized music.
• The Gupta monarch Samudra Gupta was himself an accomplished musician.
• Music was also associated with the worship of Gods and Goddess in the temples.

Gita Govinda

• In the 12th century, Jayadeva of Orissa produced the most brilliant raga kavya, the Gita Govinda.
• Each song of the Gita Govinda was set in a raga and was composed on the theme of love of Radha and Krishna.

Divisions of Indian Classical Music

• During the medieval period, Indian classical music was broadly based on two traditions: Hindustani classical music prevalent in North India and Carnatic music of South India.

Hindustani Classical Music

• Hindustani classical music may be traced back to the period of the Delhi Sultanate and to Amir Khusrau (AD 1253-1325).
• Amir Khusrau encouraged the practice of musical performance with particular instruments, and is believed to have invented the sitar and the tabla.
• He is also said to have introduced new ragas.

Styles of Hindustani Music

• Different styles of Hindustani music are Dhrupad, Dhamar, Thumri, Khayal, and Tappa.
• Most of the Hindustani musicians trace their descent to Tansen.
• Tansen's music had the effect of magic, and he could stop the rising waves of the Yamuna and cause the rain to fall by the force of his 'Megh Rag'.