Sanskrit theatre to Bollywood: The evolution of Indian drama

India's dramatic traditions are among the oldest in the world, dating back to the Natyashastra, an ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts attributed to Bharata, believed to have been written between 200 BCE and 200 CE.

- TDG NETWORK

From the sophisticated performances of classical Sanskrit theatre to the grand spectacle of Bollywood films, Indian drama has evolved across centuries—absorbing cultural, political, and technological changes—while continuing to reflect the emotional, social, and spiritual fabric of the country.

The Origins: Sanskrit Theatre and the Natyashastra

Sanskrit theatre was not merely a form of entertainment—it was a sacred offering to the gods. Plays were staged in temple courtyards and royal courts and often revolved around mythological and moral themes. Notable playwrights like Kalidasa, Bhavabhuti, and Bhasa created poetic masterpieces such as Shakuntala, Malavikagnimitram, and Urubhanga, which combined elaborate dance, music, and stylized acting to communicate complex human emotions or rasas.

The structure of Sanskrit theatre emphasized unity of time, space, and action. Performances involved trained actors, elaborate costumes, and an integration of music and movement. Although eventually Sanskrit lost its widespread use, its theatrical traditions influenced later regional dramatic forms.

THE RISE OF REGIONAL AND FOLK THEATRE