Review

Summary

The Gaekwad’s Oriental Series published Manavalli Ramakrishna Kavi’s 1926 edition of the *Natya-Shastra* with Abhinavagupta’s commentary, marking a significant scholarly achievement. The text, attributed to Bharata-muni, is the oldest surviving work on dramaturgy, music, and histrionic arts, but its complex, encyclopedic scope and chaotic structure posed editorial challenges. Previous editions by Grosset (1898) and the Kavyamala Series (1884) were incomplete or relied on inadequate manuscripts, limiting their utility in India due to Roman transliteration or imperfect materials. Kavi’s edition aimed to address these gaps by using 40 manuscripts of the *Natya-Shastra* and two sets of Abhinavagupta’s commentary, though the latter’s cryptic style and sparse manuscripts complicated the process. The first volume covers chapters I-XII, with three more promised to complete the 36-37 chapter text and commentary. Despite claims of extensive manuscript use, the edition shows limited critical innovation, relying heavily on earlier editions like Grosset’s and the *Dalarpa*. The preface introduces key textual issues, such as two recensions (Northern and Southern) of the *Natya-Shastra*, asserting the Southern version’s priority without sufficient evidence. Kavi notes differences, including chapter divisions and terminology variations, but the analysis remains brief. Scholars criticized the preface for raising important questions without thorough resolution, though a detailed introduction was promised for later volumes. Overall, while the edition filled a critical gap, its scholarly rigor fell short of the Gaekwad Series’ high standards, leaving room for further critical engagement.