Question

In Indian Aesthetics, what is the term for the involuntary emotional response elicited by a literary work?

• A. Apatya
• B. Anukriti
• C. Anubhava
• D. Anusandhana

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Anubhava

Rasa is an essential element of any visual, literary, or performing art. It is a contemplative abstraction that allows the audience to "objectify" their subjective experience. This process can lead to a delightful experience that is more objective than direct emotional experiences. 

Bharata Muni is considered the first exponent of the rasa theory. He described eight primary rasas in his work Natyasastra, an ancient Sanskrit text on dramatic theory. Each rasa has a presiding deity and a specific color.