Question

Who wrote the commentary Abhinavabharati on the Natya Shastra?

• A. Bharata Muni
• B. Abhinavagupta
• C. Kalidasa
• D. Bhasa

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Abhinavagupta

Abhinavagupta wrote the commentary Abhinavabharati on the Natyashastra. Abhinavagupta was a Kashmiri philosopher and yogi who lived from around 950–1020. 

Explanation

• Abhinavabharati is a Sanskrit commentary on the Natyashastra, an ancient Indian treatise on performing arts. It's the oldest surviving commentary on the Natyashastra. 

• Abhinavabharati is a classic Sanskrit bhasya, which means "reviews and commentaries". 

• In Abhinavabharati, Abhinavagupta expands on Bharata's concept of rasa and includes the ninth rasa, the Shanta Rasa. 

• Abhinavabharati is unique because it includes: 

  • Detailed descriptions of each word in the text 

  • Textual criticism of the text 

  • Readings that were available during Abhinavagupta's time 

  • Logical arguments that finalize the original reading