Natyadarpan Par Abhinav Bharati Ka Prabhav

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Natydarpan par Abhinav Bharati ka Prabhav" (The Influence of Abhinavabharati on Natyadarpan) by Kaji Anjum Saifi, in English:

This article by Kaji Anjum Saifi explores the profound influence of Abhinavagupta's Abhinavabharati on the Natyadarpan by Ramachandra and Gunchandra. The author argues that while Abhinavabharati is a commentary, its scholarly depth and extensive analysis make it almost as significant as an independent treatise on dramaturgy.

Key Arguments and Observations:

• Ramachandra and Gunchandra's Scholarly Approach: The authors of Natyadarpan thoroughly studied Abhinavabharati before its composition. This is evident from the significant influence of Abhinavabharati's methodology, facts, theories, and ideas on Natyadarpan.
• Subtle Influence: Surprisingly, Abhinavabharati is not directly named throughout the entire Natyadarpan. Abhinavagupta is only mentioned by name once in the context of the etymology of the word 'Nataka'. This suggests that Ramachandra and Gunchandra maintained an independent tradition of writing, avoiding blind imitation.
• Originality and Interpretation: Ramachandra and Gunchandra successfully redefined and presented facts in novel ways. They also indicated the views of other scholars who differed from the established tradition or from their own perspectives, often using terms like 'kecid' (some).
• Shared Theories and Examples: The article highlights numerous instances where Natyadarpan presents views that are also found in Abhinavabharati. Many of these shared opinions are even presented as textual variants in Abhinavabharati.
• Extensive Use of Abhinavabharati's Content: Ramachandra and Gunchandra drew heavily from Abhinavabharati's material, particularly its examples. Abhinavagupta's illustrations are often incorporated, sometimes verbatim or with minor changes, into Natyadarpan at relevant junctures. The paper lists over 90 specific examples of concepts, theories, and definitions from Natyadarpan that have parallels or direct derivations from Abhinavabharati, covering topics like:
  • Divine characters in plays.
  • Theories of dramatic composition (vrittis).
  • Specific dramatic elements like Pataka-sthanaka.
  • Various constituents of dramatic structure (Sandhi-angas).
  • Etymological explanations of dramatic terms.
  • Critiques of specific plays and their elements.
• Influence on the Vivriti (Commentary on Natyadarpan): The influence extends to the Vivriti, the commentary on Natyadarpan itself. Ramachandra and Gunchandra incorporated substantial portions of Abhinavabharati into their Vivriti, sometimes adopting ideas, words, sentences, or even entire paragraphs with minor modifications.
• Specific Examples of Influence: The article meticulously details numerous instances where terms and concepts are explained in Natyadarpan in a manner identical or very similar to Abhinavabharati. This includes the etymology of terms like 'Nataka', 'Pataka', 'Artha', 'Prakari', 'Pratimukha', 'Narmadyuti', 'Udahriti', 'Buddhi', 'Drava', 'Totaka', 'Prarochanā', 'Ananda', 'Dima', 'Utsṛṣṭikāṅka', 'Īhāmṛga', 'Vyāhāra', 'Trigata', 'Nālikā', 'Mṛdava', 'Udghātya', 'Avalagnita', 'Avaspandita', 'Āmukha', and many more related to dramatic theory and practice.
• Critical Engagement and Refinement: While acknowledging the pervasive influence, the author clarifies that Natyadarpan does not merely imitate Abhinavabharati. Ramachandra and Gunchandra also engaged critically with Abhinavagupta's theories, offering their own critiques, corrections, and additions where appropriate. The article mentions that discussing these instances of divergence would exceed the scope of the current research paper.
• Coined Terms Inspired by Abhinavagupta: The possibility is raised that even the title "Natyadarpan-Vivriti" might have been inspired by Abhinavagupta's "Natyaveda-Vivriti."
• Conclusion on the Significance of Influence: The article concludes by asserting that the significant influence of Abhinavabharati on Natyadarpan is self-evident. It states that if all the parts of Natyadarpan directly or indirectly related to Abhinavabharati were removed, its very structure would be disrupted. The author finds it remarkable that the author of Natyadarpan himself admonishes "kaavyapahaara" (literary theft or imitation) in sharp terms.

In essence, the article meticulously demonstrates that Natyadarpan is deeply indebted to the scholarship of Abhinavagupta, particularly his Abhinavabharati. While maintaining its own distinct voice and analytical approach, Ramachandra and Gunchandra built upon the foundation laid by Abhinavagupta, making extensive use of his work and insights in their comprehensive treatise on drama.