Given below are two statements: Statement I: Bharatha Muni prescribed popular dialects for communication among the elites. Statement II: Bharatha Muni also prescribed classical languages for common people for effective communication. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
Understanding Bharata Muni's Language Prescriptions in Natya Shastra
The question asks us to evaluate two statements regarding the language usage prescribed by Bharata Muni, the author of the ancient Indian treatise on performing arts, the Natya Shastra. The Natya Shastra provides detailed guidelines for drama, including the languages and dialects to be used by different characters.
Analyzing Statement I: Popular Dialects for Elites
Statement I says: Bharatha Muni prescribed popular dialects for communication among the elites.
In the context of Natya Shastra, characters representing gods, kings, Brahmins, and other high-ranking individuals (considered elites) were typically expected to speak Sanskrit, which was considered the classical and refined language. Popular dialects, known as Prakrits, were generally assigned to characters of lower status, women, and servants.
Therefore, the statement that Bharata Muni prescribed popular dialects for elites is incorrect. Elites primarily used Sanskrit according to Natya Shastra.
Analyzing Statement II: Classical Languages for Common People
Statement II says: Bharatha Muni also prescribed classical languages for common people for effective communication.
As mentioned above, the common people, women, and servants were generally assigned Prakrits (popular dialects) in Natya Shastra. Sanskrit, the classical language, was reserved for characters of higher status. The use of Prakrits for common people was intended to reflect the linguistic diversity of the time and make the play relatable to different sections of the audience, thus facilitating effective communication with the portrayal of these characters.
Therefore, the statement that Bharata Muni prescribed classical languages for common people is incorrect. Common people primarily used popular dialects (Prakrits) according to Natya Shastra.
Conclusion on Statements
Based on the analysis of both statements in light of the prescriptions found in Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra:
- Statement I is incorrect because popular dialects were not prescribed for elites; Sanskrit was.
- Statement II is incorrect because classical languages (like Sanskrit) were not prescribed for common people; popular dialects (Prakrits) were.
Thus, both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
| Character Status (in Natya Shastra) | Prescribed Language |
|---|---|
| Elites (Gods, Kings, Brahmins, etc.) | Sanskrit (Classical Language) |
| Common People, Women, Servants, etc. | Prakrits (Popular Dialects) |
Revision Table: Bharata Muni and Language
| Concept | Bharata Muni's Prescription (Natya Shastra) | Relevance to Question |
|---|---|---|
| Language for Elites | Sanskrit | Statement I claims popular dialects for elites (Incorrect) |
| Language for Common People | Prakrits (Popular Dialects) | Statement II claims classical languages for common people (Incorrect) |
Additional Information on Natya Shastra and Language
The Natya Shastra is a comprehensive text covering all aspects of ancient Indian drama and theatre. The section on language usage is crucial as it reflects the social and linguistic landscape of the time and aims to achieve realism and audience connection in performances. While Sanskrit was the language of the learned and elite, Prakrits represented the various spoken languages of the populace.
Different Prakrits were prescribed for specific types of characters or regions. This linguistic diversity in drama was a hallmark of classical Indian theatre, making plays accessible and representative of different societal groups. Bharata Muni's guidelines on language were not arbitrary but were intended to enhance the dramatic effect and ensure effective communication within the play's narrative and with the audience.
Effective communication within the play was achieved by characters speaking in languages appropriate to their social standing, education, and origin, as codified by Bharata Muni. This detailed approach highlights the importance placed on linguistic verisimilitude in ancient Indian drama.
Important Questions from Meaning and Definition
In mass communication, the audiences are:
(A) Well-defined
(B) Anonymous
(C) Homogeneous
(D) Heterogeneous
(E) Scattered
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Which of the following are true of communication?
(A) Communication is inevitable.
(B) Communication is non-social.
(C) Communication is irreversible.
(D) Communication is cultural.
(E) Communication is completely commercial
Choose the most appropriate answer from the option given below:
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Communication can be a path to seek truth.
Statement II: Communication can also be used to suppress truth.
In the light of the above statements. choose the correct answer from the options given below
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: In terms of communication, the dominant interests of a larger culture will form the image of minority audiences.
Statement II: The medium of television is often considered as a new religion.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
- Which type of appeals work effectively when people are not strong and the source credibility is high?
