Rasa Sadanga: The Six Limbs of Art

Indian art and aesthetics have been the subject of profound inquiry since ancient times. The concept of Rasa Sadanga, one of the six limbs of Indian art, holds immense significance in Indian aesthetics. Rasa refers to the aesthetic experience of the viewer or the recipient of the art. Sadanga, on the other hand, signifies the six essential components of Indian art.

The concept of Rasa was first mentioned in the Natyashastra, written by the ancient Indian philosopher Bharata Muni. According to him, a good piece of art evokes an emotional response in the viewer. Rasa, in essence, is that emotional experience which the viewer undergoes while witnessing the art. It is an abstract, subjective experience that is not limited to any specific emotion.

The concept of Rasa Sadanga is based on the idea that for any work of art to be successful in evoking Rasa, it should possess six essential components or limbs. These components are Bhava, Vibhava, Anubhava, Vyabhichari, Sthayi, and Rasa.

Bhava and Vibhava

Bhava is the emotion that the artist wants to convey to the viewer. It is the sentiment or the feeling that the artist intends to evoke. Vibhava, on the other hand, is the cause or the reason that evokes the emotion. It can be anything from an event, a person, a situation, or even an object.

Anubhava and Vyabhichari

Anubhava refers to the physical expression of the emotion by the performer. It includes gestures, facial expressions, body language, and even the tone of the voice. Vyabhichari, also known as Sanchari Bhava, refers to the transitory emotions that occur as a result of the main emotion.

Sthayi and Rasa

Sthayi is the permanent emotion or the dominant sentiment that persists throughout the performance. It is the main emotion that the artist wants to convey. Lastly, Rasa refers to the ultimate emotional experience that the viewer undergoes. It is the summation of all the components and the essence of the art.

The concept of Rasa Sadanga is not limited to any specific art form. It is applicable to all art forms, including music, dance, drama, painting, sculpture, and literature. The artist must ensure that all the six limbs are present and harmoniously integrated into the work of art for it to evoke the desired emotional experience in the viewer.

For example, in Indian classical music, the concept of Rasa Sadanga is evident in the way a raga or a musical composition is structured. The raga evokes a specific emotion, while the lyrics or the composition serve as the Vibhava. The performer’s expressions and body language add to the Anubhava, while the transitory emotions are expressed through variations in the melody or the rhythm.

Key Learnings

• The concept of Rasa Sadanga is an essential component of Indian art and aesthetics.
• It serves as a guide for artists to create works of art that evoke the desired emotional experience in the viewer.
• The six limbs of Rasa Sadanga – Bhava, Vibhava, Anubhava, Vyabhichari, Sthayi, and Rasa – must be present and harmoniously integrated to create a masterpiece.