Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c10.s2.1

c10.s2.1

In *Nāṭyaśāstra* several categories reflect *vāda* concepts. Out of the nineteen items of *pūrva-raṅga* (preliminaries to be performed before producing a play on the stage), *trigata* consists of a loose talk between *sūtradhāra* (stage manager) and his two associates involving questions, objections and sarcastic remarks on the very performance of the play to be produced. One of the two associates of the stage manager in *trigata* is necessarily the *vidūṣaka* (jester). An impromptu debate is created through *trigata* in a theatric manner by his interjections. The very concept of *pūrva-raṅga* presents the *vidūṣaka* as a character who would use his debating skills for humour.