Ayurveda in Heroines Classification in Indian Treatise on Drama-Natya Shastra

Authors: Padmaja VS

DOI: 10.23880/jonam-16000102

Volume 1, Issue 1

Abstract

Bharata, in Natyashastra, has given a unique classification of the Nayikas or heroines based on their age, basic character, personality, and relationship with lover and various stages of love. His theory implies the innate understanding of the fundamental bodily humors, the alchemic Tri-Doshas of VATA, KAPHA and PITTA types of bodies in us which is also the basis for the medicinal field of Ayurveda. All matter is composed of five basic elements- panchamahabhutas, which inhere the properties of earth (prithvi), water (jala), fire (tejas), wind (vayu) and space (akasha), subtlest being space and grossest being earth, having every perceptive sense of touch, smell, sight and sound and taste. The structure is made up of five elements, but the functional aspect is governed by three biological humors. Ether and air together constitute VATA; fire and water, PITTA and water and earth, KAPHA. Within each person the doshas are continually interacting with one another and with nature.

Keywords: Bharata; Nayikas; Ayurveda; Five elements; Elemental composition

View PDF