Aesthetic Beauty of the Keli Gopal Natak: A Study

Abstract

This paper attempts to investigate the aesthetic aspects of one among six famous Ankiya Nats (dramas) by Srimanta Sankardeva of the neo-Vaishnavite movement in mediaeval Assam. The author of the book is investigating how Sankardeva blended Indian classical aesthetic knowledge with indigenous Assamese folk modes to generate a distinct style of theatre which can be both devotional and artistic. The main focus of this paper is to study the aesthetic beauty depicted through Rasa Bhava, literary artistry, musical composer and choreographic aspects in Keli Gopal. Applying the descriptive-analytical method of research, text content analysis, observation of performance and comparative study with Sanskrit dramatic principles enumerated in the Natyashastra form to be conducted. The assumption made was, that Keli Gopal symbolizes an unique aesthetic tradition where Bhakti Rasa transcends the Sringara rasa of usual presentation and still bears a competent theatric paradigm. Findings indicate the play involves in various aesthetic layers such as Sattvik Bhava, devotional music like Bhatima and Borgeet, beautiful Brajavali language form and stylized Sattriya dance movements. Discussion The article claims that where Keli Gopal is not just a source of enjoyment, but becomes yoga and delivers the worshiper to transcendental experience; Rasa-nispatti theory of aesthetics is manifested in the ethos of bhakti Islam our talking point. The research paper finally concludes that Keli Gopal has withstood the test of time because it is a perfect blend of religious preaching and pre-Renaissance psychology in art, therefore it deserves to be characterized as the masterpiece of Assamese cultural tradition.