Published Paper Details:

Natya Shastra, which is believed to be the basic book of Natya, is the contribution of Bharata Muni. This book explains all the elements related to Natya in 36 chapters. In this, Aharya Abhinayam is included in the 23rd chapter. Since the book focuses on theatre, the influence of this book on our performing artforms is very less. Since it is a scientific book on Natya, this influence should be observed. Bharata Muni in 23rd chapter as 208 verses, explains everything related to Aharya, such as ornaments, books, theatrical tools and its making, male and female costumes and make up, etc. Aharya, one of the four components of chathurvidhabhinaya, is the primary act done by an actor or actress for their presentation. Though the other three abhinaya namely, angikam, vachikam and sathvikam helps to connect with the character, the fourth aharyam is the factor that helps the audience understand the character more easily by observing the physical appearance itself. The costumes are determined in each art form in accordance with the presentation style of the stage performances. In addition to the general criteria of time, country, age, and nature, there are also symbolic differences in aharyam. Natya Sasthra discusses the basic elements that must be taken into consideration with respect to aharyam in performing artforms. It can be observed in the makeup and costume styles adopted in each artform.