Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v7.c47.3261

v7.c47.3261

Like many other things the Indian tradition has ascribed a divine, that is, an indigenous origin to Sanskrit drama rather than a Grecian influence. The *Nāṭyaveda* is stated to have been created by Brahmā for the benefit of all castes including the Śūdras who had no access to the *Vedas*. It is significant that dramas were intended at origin to provide facilities for the enjoyment of all classes of people, thus indicating popularity and interest to the subject of the general public, men, women and children, who could hardly be expected even if they were all literate, to read the texts in Sanskrit in order to enjoy the dramas. Thus the drama is stated to have been compiled of the element of recitation from the *Ṛig-Veda*, the element of chanting or songs from the *Sāma-Veda*, the element of mimic art from the *Yajur-Veda*, and the element of sentiment from the *Athar-Veda*. Śiva and Pārvatī are stated to have contributed the Tāṇḍava and Lāsya dances, and Vishṇu ‘the four dramatic styles essential to the effect of any play.’ Viśvakarman, the divine architect, is stated to have built the first playhouse in which the sage Bharata carried into practice the dramatic art thus created.¹