Question

According to S. N. Dasgupta, what does the term Vibhavas refer to?

• A. The ultimate aesthetic flavor of a work
• B. The dominant emotion of a character
• C. The causes of Rasa or the karma of emotions
• D. The emotions relished by a sensitive spectator

Answer 1

Answer:

C. The causes of Rasa or the karma of emotions

According to S. N. Dasgupta, Vibhavas are the causes or determinants of an emotion that lead to the experience of Rasa in a performance. They include:

• Alambana Vibhava (the main stimulus, such as characters)

• Uddipana Vibhava (the environmental factors that enhance emotions, such as the setting or season)

Vibhavas act as the foundation for the emotional responses that unfold in the performance.