Fundamental of Ancient Indian Music and Dance

Author(s): Sureshchandra Benarji
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 91

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Fundamentals of Ancient Indian Music and Dance
The fuller MS. is full of corrupt readings; portions of it are illegible Yet, the text is presented here with the idea that the scholars can see what this hitherto unpublished text, associated with the name of Narada, contains.
A re'sume' of the contents, based on the imperfect text, is set forth below. The first chapter, incomplete in the beginning, traces the origin of music to Bharata etc. Rambhā is credited with the authorship of the Samguasamhita. The origin of dance in heaven is mentioned. Bharata is also said to have made a Samhita which gained currency on earth. Bharata and others are said to have created a Nata (dancer) named Bhadra who entertained all in heaven, on earth as well as in the nether world He was followed by Subhadra, Atibhadra and Virabhadra. His immediate successor cannot be ascertained from the corrupt text He is said to have excelled even his father in merits. The son of Virabhadra is said to have put all musicians to shame. Virabhadra's son acquired fame which spread far and wide. His sons and grandsons also became extremely famous as Natas. Some of them settled in Dvārakā, some in the East while others resorted to the North and the South. Those who settled in the East were mostly proficient in various Śāstras and were the best. They used to sing beautiful songs, dance superbly and described various Sastras and Kavyas. The Natas, who are self restrained and faithful to their own profession, are protected by the Brahmins versed in the Vedas as well as by the people in general.
Chapter II opens with an eulogy of Natya (dramatic art); it has been said to be conducive to the four ends of human life. This is followed by praise of songs. One who sings a song, be it out of greed for money, for pleasure or on the spur of the moment, lives in the company of God for thousand years.
A Nayaka (hero) is high-born, handsome, possessed of the spirit of sacrifice, successful, endowed with good look, merits, youth and enthusiasm and learned. Vadya follows gita, laya follows vadya. All this accords with the desire of the Nayaka.