Comparative Analysis of ‘Natyashastra’ and Aristotle's ‘Poetics’: Exploring Differences and Commonalities

Department of English
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
Date: 9 April 2024
Comparative Analysis of
‘Natyashastra’ and
Aristotle's ‘Poetics’:
Exploring Differences and
Commonalities
Sem 2 | Batch 2023-25
- Presented by Yashrajsinh Sodha

Comparative Analysis
of Natyashastra and
Aristotle's Poetics:
Exploring Differences
and Commonalities
Paper 109 : Literary Theory & Criticism and Indian Aesthetics
Presented at : Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English MKBU,
Bhavnagar

Personal Information
Presented by: Yashrajsinh Sodha
Enrollment Number: 5108230043
Email: yashrajsinhsodha0000@gmail.com
Batch: 2023-2025
Date: 09 April, 2024
Subject Code: 22402
Roll No: 28
(flaticon.com)

Table of contents
01
05
04
02
06
03
Natya Shastra
Key Concepts in
Aristotle's Poetics
Similarities
&
Differences
Poetics
Conclusions
Key concepts in
Natyashastra

Natya Shastra
● Natyashastra: Handbook on classical
Sanskrit theatre attributed to Bharata, a
mythic Brahman sage.
● Encompasses diverse arts: dance, music,
poetics, aesthetics.
● Authored between 1st century BCE and
3rd century CE.
● Highlights Indian drama as a means of
spiritual enlightenment and justification.
(Britannica)

Poetics
Author: Aristotle (384-322 B.C.E.)
Subject: The Poetics, a book on drama and
poetry.
Influence: Despite criticism, Aristotle's
Poetics has had a profound impact on
literary theory and criticism throughout
history.
Legacy: The enduring relevance of the
Poetics lies in its exploration of the nature
and purpose of literature, shaping
subsequent generations of writers and
critics. (Sachs)

Pathya (text): Bharata mentions the term 'pathya' (text) as one of the
constituents of drama in the Natyashastra.
Geet (song): Bharata refers to 'geet' (song) as one of the constituents of
drama in the Natyashastra.
Abhinaya (presentation): Bharata uses the term 'abhinaya' (presentation) as
one of the constituents of drama in the Natyashastra.
Rasa (aesthetic pleasure): Bharata propounded the concept of 'rasa' (aesthetic
pleasure) in the Natyashastra, which is a key concept in Indian aesthetic theory.
Key concepts in Natyashastra
Bharata's well-known aphoristic phrase to conceptualize rasa: "Vibhava-
anubhava-vyabhicaribhava-samyogad rasa-nispattih" (rasa is produced from a
combination of Determinants, Consequents, and Transitory States).
(Bharat)

Imitation: Aristotle uses the term 'imitation' to refer to one of the constituents of drama
in his Poetics.
Language: He refers to 'language' as one of the constituents of drama in the Poetics.
Presentation: He uses the term 'presentation' as one of the constituents of drama in his
work.
Catharsis: Aristotle propounded the term 'catharsis,' meaning the cleansing or purgation
of emotions of pity and fear while defining tragedy.
(Aristotle)
Key Concepts in Aristotle's Poetics
Aristotle's definition of tragedy:
"the imitation of an action, serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in a language
beautified in different parts with different kinds of embellishments; through action and not
narration, and through scenes of pity and fear bringing about the 'Catharsis' of these (or
such like) emotions."

Both works delve into drama and literary theory.
- Aristotle's Poetics and Bharata's Natyashastra explore the nature, elements, and
principles of drama.
Both follow similar frameworks, addressing drama's constituents.
- Aristotle discusses 'imitation,' 'language,' 'presentation,' and 'catharsis,' while Bharata
mentions 'pathya,' 'geet,' 'abhinaya,' and 'rasa' as drama components.
Both aim to enhance pleasure and enjoyment in literary works.
- Aristotle's catharsis in tragedy and Bharata's rasa theory both seek to evoke emotions
for aesthetic enjoyment. (Sharma)
Similarities Between Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics

Both recognize emotions' importance and representation in
literature.
- Aristotle emphasizes pity and fear, while Bharata outlines sthayibhavas
and their manifestation for rasa.
Both address the relationship between the work, performer, and
audience.
- Aristotle discusses tragedy's impact through catharsis, while Bharata
explores actors' role in conveying rasa to spectators. (Sharma)
Similarities Between Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics

Differences Between Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics
• Language and Cultural Context
- Example: Natyashastra is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text, while Poetics is a Greek
philosophical work.
• Time Period
- Example: Natyashastra is dated between the 5th century BCE and 4th century CE,
while Poetics is believed to be written between 335-322 BCE.
• Emotional Range
- Example: Aristotle focuses on the evocation of pity and fear in tragedy, while Bharata
outlines eight principal emotions (sthayibhavas) and their manifestations.
• Concept of Catharsis vs. Rasa
- Example: Aristotle's catharsis involves the purgation of specific emotions, while
Bharata's rasa encompasses a broader range of aesthetic experiences. (Sharma)

Differences Between Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics
● Theoretical Approach
- Example: Aristotle's approach is more analytical and prescriptive, while Bharata's
rasa theory is more comprehensive and inclusive.
● Role of the Audience/Spectator
- Example: Aristotle discusses the impact of tragedy on the audience through
catharsis, while Bharata explores the role of the spectator in experiencing rasa
through the actor's portrayal.
● Cultural Context and Influences
- Example: Aristotle's Poetics is influenced by Greek philosophy and literary
traditions, while Natyashastra draws from Indian philosophical and aesthetic
principles. (Sharma)

● Comparative analysis of Natyashastra and Aristotle's Poetics
reveals the rich diversity of literary traditions alongside the
universality of certain aesthetic principles.
● Despite originating from distinct contexts, both works share a
fundamental concern with exploring the nature and purposes
of literature.
● While differences in approach highlight unique cultural
perspectives, this discussion fosters a deeper understanding
of literary theory and encourages global dialogues that
celebrate diversity and collective wisdom in the pursuit of
artistic excellence. (Claude)
Conclusion

References
“History of Victorian Era Thesis Defense Presentation.” Slidesgo,
slidesgo.com/theme/history-of-victorian-era-thesis-defense. Accessed 04 Apr.
2024.
Aristotle. Poetics. Translated by Malcolm Heath, Penguin Publishing Group,
1996. Accessed 4 April 2024.
Bharat. Bharatamunipraṇītam Nāṭyaśāstram. Chaukhamba Surabharati
Prakashan, 2016. Accessed 4 April 2024.
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Natyashastra". Encyclopedia
Britannica, 22 Mar. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Natyashastra.
Accessed 4 April 2024.

Claude, claude.ai/. Accessed 04 Apr. 2024.
Free Icons and Stickers - Millions of Images to Download,
www.flaticon.com/free-icon/lecture_7905700. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.
Sachs, Joe. “Aristotle: Poetics.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy,
iep.utm.edu/aristotle-poetics/. Accessed 04 Apr. 2024.
Sharma , Nirmala. “CATHARSIS AND RASA: THE INTERSECTING
THEORIES.” Research Scholar-An International Refereed e-Journal of Literary
Explorations, Research Scholar, Feb. 2016,
researchscholar.co.in/downloads/11-mrs.--nirmala-sharma.pdf. Accessed 04
Apr. 2024.
References

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