The navarasa are the nine rasas, or emotional flavours, that form the emotional palette of Indian dance, theatre, and art: shringara (love), hasya (laughter), karuna (compassion), raudra (anger), veera (heroism), bhayanaka (fear), bibhatsa (disgust), adbhuta (wonder), and shanta (peace).
Key takeaways
- Navarasa means the nine rasas.
- They are the emotional building blocks of Indian performance.
- The Natya Shastra originally described eight; shanta was added later.
- Every classical performance works with these flavours.
The nine rasas
The navarasa are: shringara (love and beauty), hasya (laughter), karuna (compassion and sorrow), raudra (anger), veera (heroism and courage), bhayanaka (fear), bibhatsa (disgust), adbhuta (wonder), and shanta (peace and serenity).
Where do they come from?
They flow from the rasa theory of the Natya Shastra. Bharata Muni originally named eight rasas; the ninth, shanta or peace, was recognised by later thinkers, giving us the navarasa we know today.
Why do they matter?
The navarasa give performers and audiences a shared emotional language. A dancer or actor evokes these flavours, and their mastery is measured by how fully each rasa comes alive.
Frequently asked questions
How many rasas are there?
Nine, known together as the navarasa.
What was the ninth rasa to be added?
Shanta, the rasa of peace, added after the original eight.
Are the navarasa used in dance?
Yes, they are fundamental to Indian classical dance and theatre.