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By now, we know it is through Bharata Muni we access the sacred NatyaShastra. But who was this enigmatic Bharata Muni, and what secrets do his 100 sons hold?
Bharata Muni: Architect of Natyashastra
In the distant past, when the world teetered between pain and pleasure, Bharata Muni emerged, a solitary seeker, a beacon of wisdom. His tale transcends time, bridging epochs and echoing through the corridors of history.
The Enigma of Bharata Muni
Was Bharata a single individual, or did he embody the collective spirit of scholars and visionaries?
The answer lies in the annals of scholarship, where Bharata’s identity remains elusive and profound. He symbolizes an entire school of thought, a confluence of minds and hearts.
Bharata’s magnum opus (the Natyashastra) is not the work of a solitary author. Instead, it emerges from the collective consciousness of scholars, each contributing a unique note to this grand symphony. Imagine a composition where:
- Bhavas (emotions) resonate like ancient ragas.
- Rasas (sentiments) flow like melodic currents.
- Talas (rhythms) pulse through the veins of expression.
Most scholars hold that the Natyashastra is not the sole creation of one individual but a collaborative endeavor, an intricate weave of diverse chapters penned by different minds over epochs. People across time, like acronyms for the three syllables, imbued it with life.
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The Timeless Legacy
Bharata’s identity transcends the confines of a single era. Over periods, the broad consensus among scholars, the date of composition spanning from the second century BCE to the second century CE. This creates a panoramic view. Amidst many debates and divergent opinions, the Natyashastra is a testament to collective wisdom.
Bharata is far beyond the confines of scholarly pursuits. He has transcended into the realm of performance. He wasn’t merely a great scholar; he embodied excellence itself. Practicality coursed through his veins, and his performances were nothing short of extraordinary.
With his 100 sons, he wove together distinct styles of action:
- Bharathi (Bhārathī): The vocal expressions that flowed like a graceful river.
- Satvathi (Sātvatī): Forceful expressions that resonated with energy.
- Arabhati (Ārabhātī): The dynamic, energetic vrittis that danced across the stage.
- Kaishiki (Kaiṣikī): These are the subtle and delicate expressions we whisper through the air.
भारतीं सात्वतीं चैव वृत्तिमारभटीं तथा ।
समाश्रितः प्रयोगस्तु प्रयुक्तो वै मया द्विजाः ॥ ४१॥
Bhāratīṁ sātvatīṁ caiva vṛttimārabhaṭīṁ tathā।
Samāśritaḥ prayogastu prayukto vai mayā dvijāḥ॥ 41॥
Meaning:
Bhāratī, Sātvatī, and also ārabhaṭī Vṛtti, likewise, the practice relied upon, but utilized indeed by me, the twice-born.
परिगृह्य प्रणम्याथ ब्रह्मा विज्ञापितो मया ।
अथाह मां सुरगुरुः कैशिकिमपि योजय ॥ ४२॥
Parigṛhya praṇamyātha brahmā vijñāpito mayā।
Athāha māṁ suraguruḥ kaishikimapi yojaya॥ 42॥
Meaning:
Having embraced the three styles and bowed down to Brahma, he then asked me to add even Kāiśikī style.
Bharata’s Sons
Bharata Muni’s 100 sons’ lineage and descendants have played instrumental roles in shaping India’s rich cultural and mythological heritage.
आज्ञापितो विदित्वाऽहं नाट्यवेदं पितामहात् ।
पुत्रानध्यापयामास प्रयोगं चापि तत्त्वतः ॥ २५॥
Ājñāpito viditvā'haṁ nāṭyavedaṁ pitāmahāt।
Putrānadhvāpayāmāsa prayogaṁ cāpi tattvataḥ॥ 25॥
Meaning:
Having been commanded and knowing it well, I taught the Nāṭyaveda to sons, and also the practice truly from the grandfather (Brahma).
List of Bharata’s 100 sons
Here is a list of the names of Bharata’s one hundred sons, in alphabetical order:
(these names were derived from a set of shlokas which clearly indicate these names.)
- Abudha
- Agniśikha
- Aṃśumālī
- Ambaṣṭhaka
- Asita
- Aśmakuṭṭa
- Badari
- Bahula
- Bādarāyaṇa
- Bandhula
- Bhallaka
- Bhārgava
- Bhibhatsa
- Bhima
- Bhramara
- Budhasena
- Cāṣasvara
- Citraka
- Daṇḍin
- Dattila
- Dhūmrāyaṇa
- Dīrghagātra
- Duḥsaha
- Duryodhana
- Gabhasti
- Gautama
- Hiraṇyākṣa
- Jaṭila
- Jambudhvaja
- Kākajaṅgha
- Kāliya
- Kapila
- Kartā
- Kartrākṣa
- Kerala
- Kedāri
- Koka
- Kohala
- Kuśala
- Lāja
- Lohitāṅga
- Maṇḍaka
- Māgadha
- Mahājihva
- Maṭhara
- Meṣa
- Muni
- Muṣṭika
- Nakhakuṭṭa
- Pañcaśikha
- Pāṇḍukarṇa
- Pāduka
- Pārṣada
- Piṅgala
- Pīṭhamukha
- Pulomā
- Puṇḍrākṣa
- Puṇḍranāsa
- Raudra
- Ṛjuka
- Saindhava
- Saindavāyana
- Śālaṅkāyana
- Śālikarṇa
- Śāṇḍilya
- Śāṇḍa
- Śarala
- Śatajaṅgha
- Śuci
- Sunābha
- Svarṇaka
- Śyāmāyana
- Tāṇḍāyaṇi
- Tāpasa
- Taṇḍu
- Taitila
- Triśikha
- Tuṣāra
- Upānat
- Uttama
- Vātsya
- Vicakṣaṇa
- Viḍūṣaka
- Vīra
- Vipula
- Viśāla
- Vitaṇḍya
- Yama
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bharata Muni had one hundred sons, each contributing to India’s cultural and mythological heritage. This illustrious lineage played a significant role in shaping the rich cultural traditions of the land.
The significance of Bharata Muni’s 100 sons lies in their contributions to India’s cultural and mythological heritage. Each son played a unique role, leaving an indelible mark on the traditions and stories of the land.
Their names evoke a sense of history and intrigue, showcasing the diversity and richness of India’s cultural tapestry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bharata Muni, the author of NatyaShastra, was a renowned sage and a loving father. He had one hundred sons, each of whom contributed significantly to the field of arts and culture.
Through their talents and dedication, the 100 sons of Bharata helped preserve and propagate the art of performance for generations to come.
Bharata’s sons were inheritors of his legacy. They were pioneers in their own right.
Their contributions enriched the world of dance, music, and drama, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of ancient India.
The legacy of Bharata’s 100 sons is a testament to the power and enduring impact of the performing arts.
About Natya-Shastra.in
At Natya-Shastra.in, our mission is to serve as a gateway to the illustrious world of the Natyashastra. We offer insights, resources, and a platform to delve deeper into the nuances of Indian performing arts.
Also, we aim to bring forth the richness of this ancient text. We try to shed light on the profound wisdom it holds and its everlasting influence on various artistic traditions.
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NatyaShastra Glossary: Head over to the Natyashastra Glossary page to know the meaning behind Sanskrit terms used in the articles.
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Knowledge Source & References: Inspired by ancient Natyashastra scriptures, open to interpretation.
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