Bhatta Tauta and Rasa Theory

Oct 25, 2024

Lecture Notes: Patta Tauta and Rasa Theory

Introduction to Patta Tauta

  • Patta Tauta: A Kashmiri scholar from the latter half of the 10th century.
  • Known through Abhinava Gupta, who regarded Tauta as a master.
  • Tauta's commentary on Bharata's Natyashastra is lost; known through citations in Abhinava Bharati.
  • Tradition suggests Hemachandra in the 12th century was the last to have direct access to Tauta's theories.

Theory of Rasa

  • Tauta critiques Sri Sankuka's view that rasa is the imitation of emotion.
  • Emotions are internal, cannot be imitated or perceived by sensory organs.
  • Distinction between emotion and physical reactions.
  • Grief example: Tears are a reaction to grief, not the imitation of grief.

Perspectives on Rasa Imitation

  • Critique from three perspectives: spectators, actor, and Bharata.

Spectator Perspective

  • Imitation requires perception by valid cognition.
  • Example of drinking water as wine to illustrate perception and interpretation.
  • Physical imitation is clear; emotional imitation is questioned.

Actor Perspective

  • Emotions are internal and not perceptible; physical actions cannot imitate emotions.
  • Actor's imitation of their own emotions raises further questions about authenticity.

Bharata's Perspective

  • Views on aesthetic experience: not bound to true appearance, falsehood, doubt, or similitude.
  • Tauta argues against contradictions in Sankuka's theory using spectators' awareness.

Criticisms of Sankuka's Theory

  • Bhattatauda challenges the notion that emotions can be mimicked.
  • Argues that emotions are mental and cannot be physically reproduced.
  • Raises issue of knowledge vs. imitation: spectators see an actor, not the character's true emotions.

Tauta's Views on Rasa

  • Shanta Rasa: Considered highest due to its link to liberation.
  • Rasa is found primarily in drama; poetry supports drama.
  • Poetry's success in Rasa depends on language, figures of speech, and plot.

Summary

  • Tauta offers a nuanced view contrasting with Sankuka on the concept of Rasa.
  • Poetic composition and drama are deeply connected to understanding Rasa.
  • Bhattatauda's views distinguish between secular and Vedic poetry, focusing on description over narrative.

Closing Remarks

  • The class covered major points on Tauta's theory and criticisms of Sankuka.
  • Emphasis on understanding emotional imitation and aesthetic experiences in literature.