The Natyasastra and the Abhinavabharati

The Natyasastra, attributed to Bharatamuni, is a foundational text on Indian performing arts, with its earliest known date debated among scholars as early as 300 BCE or as late as 200 CE. By the time of Abhinavagupta (circa 10th century CE), the text had already circulated for centuries, existing in multiple recensions. Abhinavagupta’s commentary, the Abhinavabharati, relies on one of these recensions, limiting its authority due to potential omissions or inaccuracies in the base text. Modern scholarship critiques its reliability, as Abhinavagupta’s interpretation may not reflect the original Natyasastra’s full scope. The Abhinavabharati contains inconsistencies, such as discrepancies in the classification of dramatic elements (e.g., stating five *paiicanga* members and three *abhinayas*, conflicting with the Natyasastra’s own description of six *sadangas*). Additionally, the commentary’s omission of key Prakrit grammarians like Vararuci, Canda, and Bhamaha raises questions about its completeness. Scholars argue that Abhinavagupta’s work, while occasionally insightful, should not be treated as the sole authority, as critical editions of the Natyasastra and its commentaries remain essential for accurate interpretation. The text also addresses the authorship of the Nyayasutra, a work on Hindu logic often attributed to Bhi-sarvajfia. However, evidence from later commentators like Rimacardra and Candra suggests the author’s name was Sarvajfia, with the prefix *Bha-* added respectfully, akin to titles like *Sri* or *Jagad

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