The Theatrical Art of Kshemeeshwar and Ramchandra

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Drama has been an important part of Sanskrit literature. As compared to kaarya (recited poetry), drama is highly regarded as it provides pleasure through both audio, as well as the visual medium. It is the most beautiful among the kaavyas - 'Kaavyeshu Naatakam Ramyam'. Since it is designed for the public entertainment, it is read by the society and is useful for it too.

Theatrical Art of Kshemeeshwar and Ramchandra is like a beacon of light for the world of drama. Raja Harishchandra has given the inspiration to everybody in Bharat to walk on the path of truth. Mahatma Gandhi too decided to follow the path of truth, after being inspired by Raja Harishchandra. The first poet to give immortality to the character of Raja Harishchandra through his work Chandakaushika, is Kshemeeshwar himself, who existed in the ninth century CE. The Hindi work on Raja Harishchandra by Bharatendu Harishchandra is a copy of this Sanskrit work. Ramchandra, who also wrote Naatyadarpana, wrote the play Satyaharishchandra in the twelfth century. Barring a few, many esteemed Sanskrit scholars did not have an idea about the existence of these two books. Therefore, to study their theatrical art is quite useful.

In Chandakaushika, the qualities of truthfulness and beneficence in Harishchandra, whose story is famous in the Puranas, has been depicted with an unprecedented beauty. With a few changes and some new expressions and emotions, Acharya Ramchandra wrote Satyaharishchandra in Sanskrit. In these 'twin plays', the protagonist and the main subject matter is the same; the difference is in its style of presentation. From the point of view of being the protagonist, the character of Raja Harishchandra is sublime and it is based on his truthfulness.

The study of the dramatist-duo is extremely useful for the Sanskrit literature. Therefore, reading the work being presented is both desirable and expected.

Drama is an extremely important part of Sanskrit literature. Compared to poetry, drama has always held a more prestigious position among all forms of poetry and provides pleasure through audio and visual productions. Drama generates pleasure in the heart of the audience through costumes, art decoration, backstage and the stage. This is always beautiful (than poetry). That is why, it is accepted- Kavyeshu natakam ramyam (of all forms of poetry, drama is especially beautiful). Acharya Bharat has even likened it to the fifth Veda. Being a vehicle of entertainment of the masses, drama is also readable and useful for society. Drama is an imitation of the folklore. The play shows tendencies of happiness and sadness, which make the human life blissful or painful, on the grand canvas of the world, are depicted in drama-providing it (great) significance. According to Acharya Bharat, there is no knowledge, craft, skill, yoga and action that cannot be depicted in a drama.

In the theatre world, Ramchandra has given maximum importance to the truthful and brave form of Raja Harishchandra, because Raja Harishchandra has inspired everyone in India to walk the path of truthfulness. Mahatma Gandhi too got inspired to walk the path of truth after being inspired by Raja Harishchandra.

Dramatics is a highly important and beautiful (worth aspiring for) part of Sanskrit literature. The plays (in Sanskrit) have given that importance to its literature due to which the moonlight of its fame is now shining in the world. As compared to poetry, the plays have always been more prestigious. Those who are deprived of the bliss of poetry are able to experience transcendental bliss by witnessing the captivating acting in a play. One does not need to go anywhere else to experience this. Poetry mesmerises the heart through what is heard. However, it is always more delightful to watch something, than just to hear it. To enjoy the rasa in poetry, it is very important to understand its meaning. But this is not required in a play. That is why it has been compared to a picture (or a painting or photograph). A play through its costumes, backstage decoration etc., makes an indelible impression on the spectators, and gladdens their hearts, much in the same way as a picture causes increase of rasa through a (well coordinated) display of myriad colours. Sanskrit's popular figurative, Vaman, has given special importance to metaphor (or allegory) in poetry. There is one more reason for the high position accorded to metaphor. The kind of poetic environment required to feel the complex rasa of poetry is not possible for everybody.