According to Natyashastra, what is the medium of 'Angik Abhinay' ?

Question

Accepted Answer

According to the Natyashastra, 'Angik Abhinay' refers to the expression of emotions and storytelling through physical movements and gestures. The medium of 'Angik Abhinay' involves the use of the body, which is divided into three categories: Ang, Pratyang, and Upang.

1. **Ang, Pratyang, Upang (Option 1)**: This option is correct because 'Angik Abhinay' is primarily concerned with the physical expression of emotions through the body. 'Ang' refers to the major limbs such as the head, hands, chest, sides, waist, and feet. 'Pratyang' includes the intermediate parts like shoulders, arms, back, belly, thighs, and knees. 'Upang' consists of the minor parts such as eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, cheeks, chin, and face. These components collectively enable a performer to convey emotions and narratives effectively through bodily movements, which is the essence of 'Angik Abhinay'.

2. **Hasya, Karun, Raudra (Option 2)**: This option is incorrect because these terms refer to different 'Rasas' or emotions in the Natyashastra, not the medium of expression. 'Hasya' is the emotion of laughter, 'Karun' is compassion or pathos, and 'Raudra' is anger. These are emotional states that can be expressed through 'Angik Abhinay' but are not the medium itself.

3. **Sarthak Bol, Mishrit Bol (Option 3)**: This option is incorrect as it pertains to verbal expressions or dialogues in performance, not physical expression. 'Sarthak Bol' refers to meaningful words, and 'Mishrit Bol' refers to mixed or combined words. These are related to 'Vachik Abhinay', which deals with speech and sound, not 'Angik Abhinay'.

4. **Lokdharmi, Nrityadharmi (Option 4)**: This option is incorrect because these terms describe styles of performance rather than the medium of expression. 'Lokdharmi' refers to realistic representation, while 'Nrityadharmi' refers to stylized and formal representation. These styles can incorporate 'Angik Abhinay' but do not define its medium.

In conclusion, Option 1 is the correct answer as it accurately describes the components of the body used in 'Angik Abhinay', which is the physical medium of expression in the Natyashastra.