Question

Identify the 'Rasas' (aesthetic sentiments) from the following list:
A. Shringara
B. Hasya
C. Svarabhangah
D. Vira
E. Bhayanaka
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

Mnemonic for Sattvika Bhavas (to avoid confusing them with Rasas):
"Stambha-Sveda-romancha-Svarabhanga-Vepathu-Vaivarnya-Ashru-Pralaya."
If you see any of these terms, they are physical symptoms (Anubhavas), not sentiments (Rasas).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Rasa is the emotional experience evoked in the audience by a work of art. Bharata Muni originally listed eight Rasas in the Natyashastra. To correctly identify them, one must distinguish Rasas from 'Bhavas' (emotions). Specifically, 'Sattvika Bhavas' are the physical manifestations of intense emotion, which are often confused with Rasas by beginners.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each term in the list:

1. A. Shringara (Erotic/Love): The primary Rasa, associated with the Sthayi Bhava of 'Rati'.

2. B. Hasya (Comic/Mirth): The Rasa of laughter, associated with the Sthayi Bhava of 'Hasa'.

3. D. Vira (Heroic): The Rasa of energy and bravery, associated with the Sthayi Bhava of 'Utsaha'.

4. E. Bhayanaka (Terrible/Fear): The Rasa of terror, associated with the Sthayi Bhava of 'Bhaya'.

5. C. Svarabhangah (Choking of voice): This is not a Rasa. It is one of the eight Sattvika Bhavas (involuntary physical responses). Others include tears (Ashru), trembling (Vepathu), and perspiration (Sveda). Svarabhanga is a symptom (Anubhava) that helps manifest a Rasa like Karuna or Bhayanaka, but it is not a sentiment in itself.

Therefore, A, B, D, and E are the only Rasas in this list. The eight traditional Rasas are Shringara, Hasya, Karuna, Raudra, Vira, Bhayanaka, Bibhatsa, and Adbhuta. (Shanta was added later as the ninth).

Step 4: Final Answer:
The Rasas are Shringara, Hasya, Vira, and Bhayanaka. Thus, Option (B) is the correct answer.