Question

Arrange the five types of 'Prastavana' (Prologue) in the order they are traditionally listed in dramaturgy:
A. Kathodghatah
B. Prayogatishayah
C. Udghatyakah
D. Pravartakam
E. Avalagitam
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. C, A, B, D, E
• B. A, B, C, D, E
• C. B, C, A, D, E
• D. C, B, A, E, D

Hint:

A good way to remember this is the mnemonic "Ud-Ka-Pra-Pra-Ava". Most Natakas use either Kathodghata or Prayogatishaya. Knowing this list helps in identifying the specific technique used at the start of famous plays like Shakuntala.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In a Sanskrit drama, the 'Prastavana' (prologue) occurs after the 'Nandi' (prayer). It involves a dialogue between the Director (Sutradhara) and an Actress or another actor. The purpose of the Prastavana is to introduce the play, the playwright, and ultimately transition into the first act. There are five specific modes (Angas) of making this transition, which are collectively called the varieties of Prastavana or Amukha.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
According to texts like 'Dasharupaka' and 'Sahityadarpana', the five types are listed in this order:

1. C. Udghatyakah: When the actors enter by picking up a word or its meaning that has multiple interpretations from the Sutradhara's speech.

2. A. Kathodghatah: When a character enters by repeating the words of the Sutradhara or acting based on his description. (e.g., entering as soon as the Sutradhara mentions the hero).

3. B. Prayogatishayah: When the Sutradhara says "Here is someone who looks like..." and the actual character enters, effectively "surpassing" the description with the actual performance.

4. D. Pravartakam: When the Sutradhara describes a season or a time, and the character enters who is associated with that time or action.

5. E. Avalagitam: When the Sutradhara is talking about one thing, and the entrance of a character happens to coincide with or fulfill that topic in a different context.

The sequence C, A, B, D, E is the standard listing found in technical definitions of Bharata’s school of dramaturgy.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The traditional order of Prastavana varieties is Udghatyaka, Kathodghata, Prayogatishaya, Pravartaka, and Avalagita. Hence, Option (A) is correct.