rasas
In Indian aesthetics, "rasas" refer to the emotional flavors or sentiments evoked in art, literature, and performance. There are traditionally nine rasas, which include shringara (love), hasya (laughter), karuna (compassion), raudra (anger), veera (heroism), bhayanaka (fear), bibhatsa (disgust), adbhuta (wonder), and shanta (peace). Each rasa represents a distinct emotional experience that artists aim to convey to their audience.
The concept of rasas is central to Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on performing arts attributed to the sage Bharata Muni. This framework helps artists create a deeper connection with their audience by eliciting specific emotions through their work, whether in dance, drama, or poetry. Understanding rasas enhances the appreciation of Indian art forms and their emotional depth.