Question

Which scholar added the ninth Rasa, ‘Shanta’ (peace/tranquility)?

• A. Bharata Muni
• B. Bhatta Lollata
• C. Abhinava Gupta
• D. Mammata

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Abhinava Gupta

Abhinava Gupta, a 10th–11th century philosopher and aesthetician, expanded Bharata Muni’s eight Rasas by adding a ninth Rasa, Shanta Rasa (Peace/Tranquility). He argued that Shanta Rasa, rooted in Nirveda (detachment and renunciation), represents the ultimate state of spiritual calmness and self-realization, aligning with Vedantic and Buddhist philosophical traditions.