Natyashala, Nāṭyaśālā, Natya-shala: 10 definitions
Introduction:
Natyashala means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
The Sanskrit term Nāṭyaśālā can be transliterated into English as Natyasala or Natyashala, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Shilpashastra (iconography)
Source: Triveni Journal: Chitrasalas - Ancient Indian Art GalleriesNatyasala refers to a type of building adorned with pictures.—Chitrasala was only the building where art was concentrated, so to say. It does not mean that other apartments and buildings were bereft of pictures and decoration. [...] The Natyasastra of Bharata, the Abhilashitarthachintamani and the Sivatattvaratnakara speak of the Natyasala as profusely decorated with pictures. The chapter on chitra in the Abhilashitarthachintamani finds a place in that book, as a section dealing with an essential beautifying factor of the Natyasala.
Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Source: Shodhganga: Kohala in the Sanskrit textual tradition (ns)Nāṭyaśālā (नाट्यशाला) refers to the “play-house” which is described in the third chapter of Saṅgītanārāyaṇa, the Saṅgītārṇavacandrika, the Saṅgītadāmodara and the Nāṭyaśāstra.—Puruṣottama Miśra says that the theatre-house (nāṭyaśālā) should be constructed in the manner that has been prescribed by Kohala and others. The description that follows has some details on construction, which is followed by a mantra that is to be recited just before raising the pillars and then, some other details from Saṅgītadāmodara.
Bharata’s Nāṭyaśāstra describes three different types of play-houses which were devised by Viśvakarma, the divine architect. They are—
- vikṛṣṭa (oval-shaped) which is large in size,
- caturaśra (square) which is of medium size and
- tryaśra (triangular) which is a small sized theatre-house.
The following description of the construction of the play-house (nāṭyaśālā) is also found verbatim in Saṅgītārṇavacandrika of Nīlakaṇṭha:
“At the outset the appropriate oblations for bhū-śuddhi (purification of the earth) must be performed after which the foundation should be laid. Having built the foundation, the pillars must be erected. On a favourable and auspicious day, when the nakṣatra (stars) and lagna are sthira (positive), the pillars should be raised and the priest who is raising the pillar must observe a fast for three nights. The pillars are to be made from the khadira, sarja, panasa (jackwood) or rakta-candana (red sandal) trees. The wood chosen for the pillars should not be knotted or hollow, should have sufficient girth in the top part also and be highly resinous.”
“Then follows a benediction after which the pillars which are devoid of any wounds (damages) are to be erected. [...] Half the measure of the height of the pillars must be dug out and that pit should be filled up with sand. The length and breadth must be decided based on the requirements of the plays as well as the pātras (number of actors that might be on stage at a time etc.). According to Saṅgītadāmodara, the stage, built of a length of twenty hastas (hand lengths) will be attractive. Further, there must not be any pillars placed in the middle of the theatre. The ceiling should be covered with wood and the walls must have many windows made in different styles and having dolls and decorative pieces made of śāla wood placed on them. The top of the ceiling should be embellished with several kalaśas (round pinnacles which are placed at the top of a temple), flags and a canopy with flower garlands. The lower platform should be plastered and must be smeared with lime. But the floor should not be too smooth as that might cause the feet to slip. One third of the whole stage area should be allocated for the green room and this should be in the western direction. Here the actors can change costumes and the instruments can be placed.”
Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).
India history and geography
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical GlossaryNāṭya-śālā.—(EI 4), dance hall. Note: nāṭya-śālā is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Languages of India and abroad
Sanskrit dictionary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionaryNāṭyaśālā (नाट्यशाला).—
1) a dancing-hall.
2) a theatre.
Nāṭyaśālā is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms nāṭya and śālā (शाला).
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionaryNāṭyaśālā (नाट्यशाला).—f.
(-lā) A theatre, a building for dramatic exhibitions; according to some it should be built near the gate of a palace. E. nāṭhya and śālā a hall.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English DictionaryNāṭyaśālā (नाट्यशाला).—[feminine] dancing-room.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Nāṭyaśālā (नाट्यशाला):—[=nāṭya-śālā] [from nāṭya > nāṭa] f. dancing-room, [Gāruḍa-purāṇa]
2) [v.s. ...] a theatre, [Horace H. Wilson]
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English DictionaryNāṭyaśālā (नाट्यशाला):—[nāṭya-śālā] (lā) 1. f. The stage.
[Sanskrit to German]
Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
Nepali dictionary
Source: unoes: Nepali-English DictionaryNāṭyaśālā (नाट्यशाला):—n. theatre;
Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Shala, Shaala, Natya, Cala.
Full-text: Natyamandira, Sarja, Khadira, Raktacandana, Panasa, Atipicchila, Picchila, Agrantha, Sthulagra, Asushira, Bhushuddhi, Patra, Vikrishta, Shalabhanjika, Kalasha, Tryashra, Caturashra.
Relevant text
Search found 7 books and stories containing Natyashala, Naatyashaala, Nāṭya-śālā, Natya-sala, Natya-shala, Nāṭyaśālā, Natyasala; (plurals include: Natyashalas, Naatyashaalas, śālās, salas, shalas, Nāṭyaśālās, Natyasalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Kohala in the Sanskrit textual tradition (Study) (by Padma Sugavanam)
Construction of the Play-House (nāṭyaśālā) < [Chapter 2 - Kohala as seen in citations]
Samrajya Lakshmi Pithika (Study) (by Artatrana Sarangi)
Construction of the Navaranga and other mansions < [Chapter 5 - Forts, Castrametation and the Royal Army]
Viewing the Dance performance (Lasya) < [Chapter 4 - King and his Paraphernalia]
Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture) (by D. N. Shukla)
Chapter 4 - State or Public Buildings (The cognate structures) < [Volume 4 - Palace Architecture]
Chapter 4 - Śālā-houses < [Volume 3 - House Architecture]
Theatre Architecture in Ancient India < [November-December 1931]
When Stones Dance < [January – March 1992]
Chitrasalas- Ancient Indian Art Galleries < [September-October 1934]
Architectural data in the Puranas (by Sharda Devi)
Tilakamanjari of Dhanapala (study) (by Shri N. M. Kansara)
12. Description of Music, Dance and Drama < [Chapter 12 - Cultural Data]