Indian performing arts date back to 1 BCE or older. The Vedic scriptures also expound this knowledge. Bharat muni's 'Natya Shashtra', one of the oldest text on performing arts in the world, is considered as the 5th Veda. Till date it is recognised as the most important work on Indian aesthetics.
Natya Shashtra binds music, dance, drama & painting in a very close relationship. There is an interesting folk tale about it. Once a King went to the sage to learn sculpting as he was keen on making statues of God's. However the sage told the King that he could not learn the art of sculpting without understanding the laws of painting. The King, adamant in his task requested the sage to teach him laws of painting as well. However, the sage explained that it would be difficult to gain knowledge of painting without learning the art of dance, for which he would have to know the principles of instrumental music. The King, headstrong about achieving his endeavour, insisted upon learning the principles of instrumental music. The learned sage, explained to the bereft King that it was not possible without a through study of the vocal music as it is the source of all arts. The king begged the sage to instruct him in vocal music also.
Vocal music has been emphasised upon since ages as it is believed that all the musical notes were first produced by hum.an throat, and all man made musical instruments imitate the human voice. Indian music has followed this principle and has developed within its framework a highly complex and sophisticated system of music.
Natya Shashtra binds music, dance, drama & painting in a very close relationship. There is an interesting folk tale about it. Once a King went to the sage to learn sculpting as he was keen on making statues of God's. However the sage told the King that he could not learn the art of sculpting without understanding the laws of painting. The King, adamant in his task requested the sage to teach him laws of painting as well. However, the sage explained that it would be difficult to gain knowledge of painting without learning the art of dance, for which he would have to know the principles of instrumental music. The King, headstrong about achieving his endeavour, insisted upon learning the principles of instrumental music. The learned sage, explained to the bereft King that it was not possible without a through study of the vocal music as it is the source of all arts. The king begged the sage to instruct him in vocal music also.
Vocal music has been emphasised upon since ages as it is believed that all the musical notes were first produced by hum.an throat, and all man made musical instruments imitate the human voice. Indian music has followed this principle and has developed within its framework a highly complex and sophisticated system of music.
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