Natya Shastra with Abhinava Bharati Commentary

Name: Natya Shastra with Abhinava Bharati Commentary
Author: Bharata Muni; Abhinavagupta (comm.)

Bharata Muni; Abhinavagupta (comm.)

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Natya Shastra with Abhinava Bharati Commentary

Bharata Muni; Abhinavagupta (comm.)

Sanskrit

1926

1726 pages

Indic Traditions Literature Sacred Texts Music Harmony Oriental Classics Hinduism South Asia

First Complete Translation

Only partial translations or excerpts exist. This is the first complete English translation.

The root text of the Natyashastra was translated into English by Manomohan Ghosh in 1950. However, the Abhinavabharati commentary by Abhinavagupta, which is included in this edition, has never been translated into English in its entirety. Existing English translations of the commentary are limited to specific chapters or excerpts, most notably the work of Raniero Gnoli (1956) and Masson/Patwardhan (1969) on the Rasa chapters. Modern editions like those by N.P. Unni (1998) provide an English translation of the verses but retain the commentary in Sanskrit.

Related translations found:

The Aesthetic Experience according to Abhinavagupta, trans. Raniero Gnoli (1956) [partial]

Santalasa: The Abhinavabharati on the Santarasa and Abhinavagupta's Philosophy of Aesthetics, trans. J.L. Masson and M.V. Patwardhan (1969) [partial]

The Natyasastra: A Treatise on Ancient Indian Dramaturgy and Histrionics (Root text only), trans. Manomohan Ghosh (1950) [partial]

Natyasastra of Bharatamuni (Translation of verses only), trans. N.P. Unni (1998) [partial]

Verified Mar 8, 2026 via local catalogs, local catalogs, open library, google books, open library, open library · methodology

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About This Book

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Step into the foundational 'Veda' of art and human emotion, where every craft, yoga, and science converges on the stage. This definitive edition pairs Bharata Muni’s ancient wisdom with Abhinavagupta’s legendary insights, unlocking the secrets of how drama serves as the ultimate gratification for a diverse world.