Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Roudra, the fiery essence of rage and wrath, blazes through the ancient verses of Bharata Muni‘s Nāṭyaśāstra, igniting the stage with its raw and untamed power.
Among the various Rasas, Roudra Rasa stands out as the embodiment of fury or anger. This Rasa, which captures the essence of rage, is meticulously analyzed in the text, offering profound insights into its origins, expressions, and the circumstances that evoke it.
Let’s break down each verse and understand Roudra.
The Essence of Roudra Rasa
अथ रौद्रो नाम क्रोधस्थायिभावात्मको रक्षोदानवोद्धतमनुष्यप्रकृतिः संग्रामहेतुकः ।
atha raudro nāma krodhasthāyibhāvātmako rakṣodānavoddhatamanuṣyaprakṛtiḥ saṃgrāmahetukaḥ |
Meaning:
"Now, Roudra (Fury) is characterized by the permanent mood of anger (Krodha). It pertains to the nature of demons, Danavas (giants), and arrogant humans, and is caused by battles."
So, What is Roudra Rasa?
Roudra Rasa is the aesthetic sentiment of fury or anger in Indian dramaturgy, originating from the Sthāyibhāva of Krodha (anger).
It is associated with beings known for their aggressive nature, such as demons and giants, and is often triggered by the context of battles and warfare.
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Determinants of Roudra Rasa
स च क्रोधाधर्षणाधिक्षेपानृतवचनोपघातवाक्पारुष्याभिद्रोहमात्सर्यादिभिर्विभावैरुत्पद्यते ।
sa ca krodhādharṣaṇādhikṣepānṛtavacanopaghātavākpāruṣyābhidrohamātsaryādibhirvibhāvairutpadyate |
Meaning:
"It arises from determinants (Vibhāvas) such as anger, disrespect, insults, lies, attacks, harsh words, rebellion, jealousy, and similar causes."
The text lists various Vibhāvas, or causes, that lead to the experience of Rage. These include:
- Anger
- Insults
- Deceit
- Aggression
Each of these factors contributes to the buildup of fury within a character, setting the stage for the dramatic expression of Roudra.
Actions Associated with Roudra Rasa
तस्य च ताडनपाटनपीडाच्छेदनप्रहरणाहरणशस्त्रसम्पातसम्प्रहाररुधिराकर्षणाद्यानि कर्माणि ।
tasya ca tāḍanapāṭanapīḍācchedanapraharaṇāharaṇaśastrasampātasamprahārarudhirākarṣaṇādyāni karmāṇi |
Meaning:
"Its actions include striking, beating, tormenting, cutting, hitting, seizing weapons, and engaging in combat with bloodshed."
The Rasa is characterized by violent actions. These actions include:
- Striking
- Beating
- Tormenting
- Cutting
- Hitting
- Seizing weapons
- Engaging in combat with bloodshed
These actions are physical manifestations of the anger that defines rage, underlining the intense and destructive nature of this Rasa.
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Expressions and Physical Manifestations
पुनश्च रक्तनयनभ्रुकुटिकरणदन्तोष्ठपीडनगण्डस्फुरणहस्ताग्रनिष्पेषादिरनुभावैरभिनयः प्रयोक्तव्यः ।
punaśca raktanayanabhrukuṭikaraṇadantoṣṭhapīḍanagaṇḍasphuraṇahastāgraniṣpeṣādiranubhāvairabhinayaḥ prayoktavyaḥ |
Meaning:
"Its expressions (Abhinaya) are through Anubhāvas (ensuing emotions) such as red eyes, frowning, biting the lips, twitching the cheeks, and clenching the fists."
The physical expressions of Roudra Rasa are vivid and intense. Actors use various Anubhāvas (physical manifestations) such as:
- Red eyes
- Frowning
- Clenching fists
These expressions convey the overwhelming anger that defines this Rasa.
They are crucial for the audience to perceive the internal state of fury portrayed on stage.
Transitory States of Roudra Rasa
भावाश्चास्यासम्मोहोत्साहावेगामर्षचपलतौग्र्यगर्वस्वेदवेपथुरोमाञ्चगद्गदादयः ।
bhāvāścāsyāsammohotsāhāvegāmarṣacapalataugryagarvasvedavepathuromāñcagadgadādayaḥ |
Meaning:
"Its transitory states (Vyabhicāribhāvas) include bewilderment, enthusiasm, excitement, impatience, restlessness, ferocity, pride, perspiration, trembling, horripilation, and a choking voice."
The Vyabhicāribhāvas, or transient emotions, associated with this Rasa are varied and dynamic. They include:
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Bewilderment
- Enthusiasm
- Excitement
- Impatience
- Restlessness
- Ferocity
- Pride
- Horripilation
- Choking voice
These fleeting emotions add depth to the portrayal of anger, showcasing its multifaceted impact on the individual. They range from physical reactions to psychological states, enriching the dramatic depiction of this Rasa.
The Classical Verse on Roudra Rasa
अत्रानुवंश्ये आर्ये भवतः - युद्धप्रहारघातनविकृतच्छेदनविदारणैश्चैव । संङ्ग्रामसम्भ्रमाद्यैरेभिः सञ्जायते रौद्रः ॥ ६४॥
atrānuvaṃśye ārye bhavataḥ - yuddhaprahāraghātanavikṛtacchedanavidāraṇaiścaiva | saṃṅgrāmasambhramādyairebhiḥ sañjāyate raudraḥ || 64||
Meaning:
"In this respect, it is said in an Arya verse: Raudra arises from striking, hitting, disfiguring, cutting, and tearing in battles, and from the confusion of combat."
Natyashastra summarises fury with a simple poem explaining Rasa’s causes and nature. The poem says Rage comes from aggressive actions during battles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Roudra Rasa is the aesthetic sentiment of fury or anger in Indian dramaturgy, originating from the Sthāyibhāva of Krodha (anger).
Roudra Rasa is triggered by determinants like anger, insults, deceit, aggression, and other similar causes.
Actions such as striking, beating, tormenting, cutting, and combat with bloodshed characterize Fury Rasa.
Physical expressions include red eyes, frowning, and clenching fists, which convey the overwhelming anger of Roudra Rasa.
Transient emotions (Vyabhicāribhāvas) include trembling, sweating, excitement, impatience, ferocity, and pride, among others.
Conclusion
The analysis of Roudra Rasa in the Nāṭyaśāstra offers a comprehensive understanding of the aesthetic sentiment of fury or anger in dramatic performance.
Roudra is deeply rooted in the permanent mood of anger, triggered by various determinants such as insults and attacks.
Its expression involves vivid physical manifestations, and its transient states add depth to its portrayal.
While primarily associated with naturally fierce beings, Roudra Rasa can also be evoked by humans in certain contexts, particularly in battle.
This intricate depiction of Roudra Rasa enriches the dramatic arts, providing a powerful tool for conveying intense emotions on stage.
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