Description of Prahasana

Prahasana is a farce with comic characters. It contains all the ten sub-divisions of Vīthī. It is presented in costumes suited for comic scenes like the motley dress; and the language is also light so as to tickle the audience to laughter^[1]. The Prahasana is of two kinds: regular (Śuddha) and irregular (Saṅkīrṇa). The former type contains characters like monks, bṛāhmana s, heretics, servants and parasites; whereas the latter contains vehement and low characters like harols, strumpets, slaves, villains and hangers on. There is yet a third type of farce recognized by the Daśarūpaka and the Madara Maranda. The third type is distinguished by the name Vikrta or the modified farce, and contains such characters as ennuchs, chamberlains and even ascetics presenting a lover’s character and making speeches full of amorous humour and dalliance. Dhañanjaya further adds that a farce may contain almost all the six varities of the comic sentiment^[2]. Singa Bhupāla details the different elements of a Prahasana, which are ten in number^[3] and could be generally employed in all types of shows. One of the important characteristics of a Prahasana is the presence of all the features of Gnetle dance (Lāsya). In regard to other particulars, the junctures and the modes of behaviour, it follows the pattern of Bhāṇa.

These are the ten principal varieties of shows to which may be added a MahāNāṭaka^[4], a play of the Nāṭaka pattern with ten or more acts like the Bālarāmāyaṇa or the Hanumān Nāṭaka. There are also a few minor varities called upa-rūpakas.