Rasa

★ Essential

Sanskrit

The flavour or sentiment an audience is left tasting.

ConceptBharatanatyamKuchipudiOdissiKathak

Meaning

Rasa is the aesthetic experience a performance produces in the spectator — literally 'juice' or 'flavour'. The Natyashastra sets out the classical sentiments, commonly enumerated as nine (navarasa): love, laughter, sorrow, anger, courage, fear, disgust, wonder and peace. Bhava is what the artist expresses; rasa is what the audience receives.

Related words

BhavaThe emotion the performer holds and conveys.NavarasaThe nine sentiments of classical aesthetics.ArangetramA dancer's first full solo recital before an audience.BaniA school or style of Bharatanatyam, carried down a lineage.ParamparaAn unbroken line of transmission from guru to student.SabhaAn organisation that presents concerts and recitals.

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