Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s1.t8.8

v2.c11.s1.t8.8

Along with the decline of Sanskrit itself and the Muslim invasion of India, Indian literary drama gradually declined, but folk drama still survived stubbornly. Opera performances were essential activities during the idolatrous festivals. Since 19ᵗʰ century, the traditional drama was restored in Bengal, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and other regions gradually. Meanwhile, modern drama whose contents were anti-colonialism and feudalism began to appear. In the second half of 19ᵗʰ century, hundreds of plays came out in Bengal, showing unprecedented prosperity. Of course, these plays was mixed, most works were not good. Bangladeshi playwright Dinabandhu Mitra completed *Indigo Mirror* that was the first drama against British colonial rule in 1860, which caused great repercussions in the community after the show. It announced the birth of modern Indian drama. In 20ᵗʰ century, Indian modern dramas’ content gradually revealed the real life. Now, in rural areas, the traditional drama performances are still very popular. In the urban areas, the modern media plays an increasingly significant impact on drama. However, people still watch a variety of theatrical performances during important festivals.