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'.

Explore the concept of 'Ras' and its significance in Indian art forms. Learn how human emotions are categorized into nine sub-headings and how they are reflected in music, dance, and drama. Test your knowledge of Indian culture and aesthetic expression.