By: Jamila Gibison Mercedes Martin Karrington Davis Diontae Phillips Sanskrit Drama By: Jamila Gibison Mercedes Martin Karrington Davis Diontae Phillips

Who? The earliest-known Sanskrit playwright was Bhasa . The most commonly read and preformed examples of Sanskrit drama includes plays by Bhasa, Sudraka, and especially Kalidasa

What? Bhasa wrote plays such as Svapnavasavadatta, and Madhyamavyayoga. One of the earliest known Sanskrit plays, this play was composed by Sudraka in 2nd century B.C, the name of the play is Micchakaitka( The Little Clay Cart). The plays often concern the exploits of the kings and heroes of history. Important characters in Sanskrit drama also come from the middle, and lower classes, including soldiers, merchants, hermits, and sages. The prakarana plays concern stories that revolve around the middle class characters.

When? The earliest signs of Sanskrit drama date as far back as the 1st century. But, Sanskrit drama, became more popular in between 200B.C. to 200 A.D. The Mahabhasya by Patanjali contains the earliest implication to what may have been the start of Sanskrit drama. This writing provides reasonable date for the start of theater in India.

Where? Sanskrit Drama originated from the region that is now called India, and Pakistan. Bhasa plays are still vey much popular in Kutyattam. He was believed to be counted as the most influential play writers of his time.

Why? This style developed because, the Indian people needed entertainment in their lives. It was important to people because, it gave them outlet to express them selves thorough the the art of drama.

How? In ancient India, Sanskrit plays were preformed on stages, and were also preformed in palaces, and other places like that. This is different from other styles of drama because it’s more ancient, and has a deeper history. Also, while in the play they speak a different language. Their costumes, props, are different because they relate to a more of an older India.

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