Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c77.225

v2.c77.225

Bhaṭṭa Tauta, as has been quoted by his pupil, Abhinava, in his Abhinavabhāratī, says that Rasa-realisation or emotional response is easily and excellently got only from a drama, for abhinanya or acting makes the thing live before us in drama. That is, there poetry attains the visual state when one can realise through the eye what one can only imagin otherwise. It is because of this quality that drama is called picture by Vāmana,—a series of pictures seen before our eyes. It is because of this quality also that drama is called Rupa (अवस्थानुकृतिर्नाट्यं रूपं दृश्यतयोच्यते)—‘रूपकं तद् भवेद् रूपं दृश्यत्वात् प्रेक्षकैरिदम्—भा०प्र०