India has a long and rich tradition in theatre going back to nearly five thousand years. The origin of Indian theatre is closely related to ancient customs and traditions, rituals and seasonal festivities of the country. Bharata’s ‘Natya Shastra’ was the earliest and most elaborate treatise on dramaturgy. It gives a divine origin to the Indian theatre, attributing it to the ‘Natyaveda’, the holy book of dramaturgy believed to have been created by Lord Brahma.
In the ‘Natya Shastra,’ Bharata Muni consolidated and codified various traditions in dance, mime, and drama, besides classifying drama into ‘acts’. It describes aspects that are relevant to all stakeholders—playwrights, directors, and actors.
Theatre in India began as a narrative form in which recitation, singing and dancing were integral elements. The encompassing of all forms of literature and fine arts into its physical presentation and the emphasis on narrative elements made the classical Indian drama theatrical from the beginning.
.Generally, Indian theatre can be categorized into three distinct forms: Classical or Sanskrit theatre, which encompasses ancient dramatic traditions; Traditional or Folk theatre rooted in regional and cultural storytelling; and Modern theatre, which reflects contemporary themes and narratives.