Published Paper Details:

All the cultures of the world have musical theatre impulses imbibed in them. Rites and rituals or ceremonial observances are invariably supported with hymns. Along with the spoken words, �music� has been at the core of all theatrical expressions. Apart from endowing the recitation, singing and dance with instrumental and percussive accompaniment, it also underscores the theatrical action and emotional essence of the performance. In India too these sacramental rites, magical performances, ceremonial proceedings and festivals are believed to be the precursors of drama. The elements of music which are rhythm and melody have been defining and supplementing the emotion of all the theatrical performances. From the ritualistic to the classical theatricals and from the folk to the refined traditional dramas, music is essential to augment the aesthetic quality of all Indian theatrical genres. This paper briefly reviews the importance of verbal and non- verbal, musical compositions in enhancing the emotional and aesthetic effect of all Indian theatrical forms, especially �drama� on Indian audience. The music has been an inherent component of theatre, be it of the classical period, folk or traditional. However, the discussion does not include the modern play approach nurtured in the late 18th century CE after the arrival of the Proscenium stage.