Bharatavakya
By Vibhutinatha Jha
Summary
The text discusses the debate around Bharatavakya (BV), concluding that these verses are integral to dramas and likely authored by dramatists, not later additions by actors. It refutes Chakravarty’s claim that BVs are post-dramatic additions, arguing that they maintain a formal connection to the main drama through conversational structures and thematic relevance. Examples like the BV in Rajasekhara’s play, uttered by a dramatic character (the king), support this. The text notes variations in BVs but emphasizes their consistent presence across dramas, including those by Bhasa, suggesting they eulogize patrons. It highlights that different theater companies used distinct BVs, undermining the idea of standardized actor additions. The analysis of Prthvidhara’s commentary and the refusal of BVs in certain contexts further challenges the actor-attribution theory. The conclusion asserts that BVs are part of the original dramatic structure, with no evidence supporting their exclusion from the dramatist’s work.
Conclusion
This analysis challenges the attribution of Bharatavakyaas (BVs) to actors rather than dramatists, highlighting their integral role in dramatic structure. The text demonstrates that BVs, like Nandis, serve as essential components, often uttered by primary characters rather than actors "divested of their dramatic character." The visible connection between BVs and the main drama, including thematic links and formal placement, undermines the argument for their later addition. While BVs may differ functionally from the drama proper, their formal and material ties to the narrative remain indistinguishable from the dramatist's intentional composition, suggesting their organic place within the original works.