Hachette India

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Theory of Aesthetics: NAVARASAS – The Secret to Living a More Fulfilling Life

Dr Manavpreet Kaur Arora

The Essence of Emotion and Being Human

Why does a piece of music move us to tears? What makes a story linger in our minds long after its final page? Why do certain moments fill us with awe while others stir courage, compassion, or quiet contentment?

Shringara (love), hasya (laughter), karuna (compassion), veer (courage), raudra (anger), bhayanaka (fear), bibhatsa (disgust), adbhuta (wonder), shanta (peace) – every rasa (essence) and its allied emotion(s) leave their mark on our lives. They shape the stories we tell, the art we create, the relationships we nurture, and the choices we make. Centuries ago, Bharatmuni encapsulated these NAVARASAS in his treatise Natya Shastra and these nine essences became the heartbeat of Indian aesthetics – shaping poetry, theatre, dance, music, and storytelling for millenia.

Their relevance, however, extends far beyond the stage. They colour the films we watch, the books we cherish, and the way we make sense of our own lives. This book brings the NAVARASAS to life through engaging stories, cultural insights, and relatable examples. Along the way, it reveals how these enduring ideas illuminate emotional intelligence, deepens our appreciation of art and culture, and inspires us to see ourselves and others with greater empathy and awareness. Some of the examples are also supported with QR codes that take you to relive those exact moments.

Whether you are fascinated by Indian philosophy, captivated by the performing arts, or simply curious about the emotions that make us human, this book offers a fresh perspective on one of India’s most remarkable intellectual and cultural legacies.

Dr Manavpreet Kaur Arora

Dr Manavpreet Kaur Arora is a postdoctoral visiting faculty member in the Department of History of Art at the Indian Institute of Heritage, holding the prestigious fellowship from the Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi. She completed her doctorate from the National Museum Institute of History of Art, Museology and Conservation in 2013. Apart from that, she holds a double master’s degree in fine arts and history of art, as well as a double bachelor’s degree in fine arts and humanities. She was also honoured with the ‘Makhan Dutta Award for Best Campaign’ in 2007. Her work experience includes serving as the Head of the Department of Fine Arts at Lovely Professional University in Punjab for four years. She has also been a board member and external examiner for many colleges. Dr Arora specializes in Art and Aesthetics and has been teaching for more than a decade in reputed institutions such as the Indian Institute of Heritage (formerly National Museum Institute), National School of Drama, and College of Art, Delhi. She has been participating in various national and international conferences and has published her work in numerous double-blind, peer-reviewed journals listed with Scopus and UGC-CARE.