THEORIES ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF THE SANSKRIT DRAMAS - PART II

3. Greek Influence:

        Hellenism in Hindu culture has been for a long time favourite theme of discussion among the scholars of the East and West. Prof.Weber suggested that a certain influence might have been exerted from the Greek on the Sanskrit drama. The term ‘yavainaka’ or ‘javainaka’ meaning screen is according to him – resemblance to Ionian counterpart. It also suggests the importation of the curtain from the Greek drama along with some other material. This theory of Prof.Weber has been exploded long ago.

First of all there is a great difference between the two civilisations. Regarding the actual presentation, at the courts of Greek Princes in India, of dramatic entertainments, the evidence is very scarce. The Sanskrit drama had only an indigenous origin. It had begun to be cultivated from the 8^th Century B.C. and passed into lethargy by about 400 A.D. there is no historical evidence , which proves the relationship between the Greeks and the Hindus prior to Alexander’s invasion. Modern critics classify dramas as classical and romantic. The Greek tragedy belongs to the classical type whereas the Sanskrit dramas, by universal consent are admitted to be romantic. Had there been Greek influence on Sanskrit dramas why should the copy be so different from the original? In fact they belong to two opposite schools. The word ‘yavainaka’ or ‘javainaka’ has no special application to the curtain of the theatre. The argument that the ‘yavaina’s (Greek maidens) represented as the bodyguards of Indian Kings need not necessarily point to Hellenic impact for, the practice probably represents the fond of Indian Princes for the fascinating Greek damsels and the readiness of the Greek traders to make high profits by shipping these youthful cargos.

All the theories of Western Scholars are obviously advanced at random to dishonour the capabilities of ancient Indians and the national tendencies of their time-honoured institutions. Thus the indigenous origin of Sanskrit Dramas cannot be denied and discounted.

Indian tradition attributes divine origin to the Sanskrit Drama. At the request of the gods who desired to have something which would delight both the ears and eyes of all the created beings, the creator composed the Natyaveda taking the element of recitationfrom the RgVeda, song from the SamaVeda, gestures from the YajurVeda and sentiment from the AtharvaVeda, Shiva and Parvati contributed to the part of dance, the former giving his Tandava and the latter her Lasya. Vishnu brought forth the four dramatic styles called ‘kOiSakI’ ‘saa%vatI’ ‘BaartI’ ‘AarBaTI’. Sage Bharata was authorised to transfer it to the world and make it popular which he accordingly. This Natyaveda came to be also called the ‘Fifth Veda’.