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The Sacred Space: Natyasangeet

The concept of theater is as old as the concept of the God. Drama recognized as the Panchamved (Fifth Veda) is the amalgamation of all the four Vedas i.e. all the knowledge and is available for all to practice/ read. It’s mentioned in the Natyashastra as: Na tajjaana na tacchilpa na sa vidya na sakala/ Na sa yogo na tatkarma yanna tyesminna drsyate // NS 1.116. [There is no wise maxim, no learning, no art or craft, no device, no action that is not found/reflected in the drama.] In the Natyaveda or Panchamveda, Sangeet assumes great importance. It’s a combination of three art forms: vocal music, instrumental music and dance. The word ‘Sangeet’ originates from Sanskrit ‘sangi-ta’ i.e. singing together in any form, concert, music, dance, theater and everything connected to these. Theater Music (rang sangeet or natya sangeet) is an essential part of Indian theater practices in different forms (classical or traditional). It’s not only encompassed in the development of the story but also layered in the meanings of the performance. B.V. Karanth expresses it: “The music of my plays comes to me from some unknown depths of my past life... It connotes despair at multiple levels.” The Indian Student section tries to explore this depth of life using the form of theater music and excites the soul to be harmonious.