Question

How many Rupakas (major types of dramatic compositions) are there according to Sanskrit dramaturgy?

• A. 9
• B. 4
• C. 10
• D. 3

Hint:

The title of the authoritative text 'Dasharupaka' (literally "Ten Forms of Drama") by Dhananjaya is your best mnemonic. Remember that 'Rupakas' are 10, while 'Uparupakas' are generally considered to be 18.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sanskrit literary theory classifies 'Kavya' (poetic compositions) into two broad categories: 'Drishya-Kavya' (visible poetry, i.e., drama intended for performance) and 'Shravya-Kavya' (audible poetry, i.e., literature meant for reading or recitation). Within Drishya-Kavya, there is a further, highly detailed classification of dramatic forms. The 'Rupakas' are the major types of dramatic compositions, distinguished by their plot (Vastu), hero (Neta), and dominant sentiment (Rasa). The very term 'Rupaka' implies 'representation' or 'imposition' of characters on actors.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
According to the classical tradition of Sanskrit dramaturgy, primarily articulated in Bharata Muni's 'Natyashastra' and systematized in Dhananjaya's 'Dasharupaka' (literally "The Ten Forms"), there are precisely 10 (Dasha) types of Rupakas. These ten forms represent a comprehensive spectrum of dramatic possibilities, each with specific structural and thematic conventions.

The ten Rupakas are:
1. Nataka: The most exalted and popular form, often based on well-known mythological or historical plots, featuring a famous and noble hero (often a king or a divine figure), and typically having Shringara (Erotic) or Vira (Heroic) Rasa as the dominant sentiment. Kalidasa's 'Abhijnanashakuntalam' is a prime example.
2. Prakarana: A play with an original, invented plot, where the hero is usually a Brahmin, merchant, or minister, and the heroine can be from a common family or a courtesan. Shudraka's 'Mricchakatika' is the most famous Prakarana.
3. Bhana: A one-act play performed by a single character (the Vita), who narrates past events through gestures and monologues, often with a humorous or satirical tone.
4. Prahasana: A farce or comedy, focusing on humor, satire, and ridicule of social conventions, often featuring absurd characters and situations.
5. Dima: A four-act play, usually dealing with legendary battles, celestial beings, and supernatural events, often involving 16 heroes and characterized by Raudra (Furious) Rasa.
6. Vyayoga: A one-act military play with a well-known hero (often a divine figure or a royal sage), focusing on a limited number of male characters and depicting a battle or violent conflict.
7. Samavakara: A three-act play dealing with the exploits of gods and demons, often involving multiple sub-plots and a large number of characters.
8. Vithi: A short one-act play, often with one or two characters, characterized by light humor and clever dialogue, usually revolving around themes of love.
9. Anka (Utsrishtikanka): A one-act play dominated by Karuna (Pathetic) Rasa, often depicting a tragic event like the lamentations after a battle, featuring common or ordinary characters.
10. Ihamriga: A four-act play where the hero, driven by love, pursues a divine or celestial lady, but the climax avoids outright violence or death, often ending in a resolution through divine intervention.

These ten Rupakas are distinguished from 'Uparupakas' (minor forms of drama, of which there are 18, such as Natika, Trotaka, Sattaka, etc.). The 10-fold classification is fundamental to understanding the genre and conventions of any Sanskrit play.

Step 4: Final Answer:
According to Sanskrit dramaturgy, there are 10 types of Rupakas. Therefore, Option (C) is the correct answer.