Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 2
Nāṭaka-nirūpaṇam
Exposition of Drama / Dramatic Genres and Plot-Structure
व्यायोगभाणवीथ्यङ्कत्रोटकान्यथ नाटिका सट्टकं शिल्पकः कर्णा एको दुर्मल्लिका तथा
vyāyogabhāṇavīthyaṅkatroṭakānyatha nāṭikā saṭṭakaṃ śilpakaḥ karṇā eko durmallikā tathā
Also, the dramatic forms include Vyāyoga, Bhāṇa, Vīthī, Aṅka, and Troṭaka; likewise Nāṭikā, Saṭṭaka, Śilpaka, Karṇā, Eka, and Durmallikā.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Natya","secondary_vidya":"Alamkara","practical_application":"Extending the repertory list of dramatic forms for playwrights, directors, and scholars to classify and plan performances.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Additional dramatic forms (Vyāyoga to Durmallikā)","lookup_keywords":["vyāyoga","bhāṇa","vīthī","troṭaka","nāṭikā"],"quick_summary":"A further enumeration of dramatic types is given—vyāyoga, bhāṇa, vīthī, aṅka, troṭaka, nāṭikā, saṭṭaka, śilpaka, karṇā, eka, and durmallikā—supporting comprehensive genre taxonomy."}
Concept: Completeness through listing (saṅgraha) is a method of śāstric instruction.
Application: Serves as a syllabus index for drama studies and a checklist for cataloguing manuscripts/performances.
Khanda Section: Sahitya-shastra (Natya and Rupa-ka classifications)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A scroll or board displays the names of dramatic forms; around it, small scenes show a monologist (bhāṇa), a heroic combat episode (vyāyoga), and a short one-act staging (aṅka).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: genre-name scroll in center, surrounding vignettes—single actor speaking (bhāṇa), warriors in stylized poses (vyāyoga), compact stage scene (aṅka), flat decorative foliage background","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: gold-embossed central plaque with the list, framed by miniature theatrical panels, rich jewel tones, ornate pillars and lamps","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: clean instructional composition, labeled mini-panels for each form, emphasis on abhinaya hand gestures and stage blocking","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: atelier-like page with calligraphed list and marginal illustrations of each genre, fine detailing of costumes and stage curtains"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vīthyaṅka = vīthī + aṅka; troṭakānyatha = troṭakāni + atha.
Related Themes: Agni Purana Adhyaya 337 (Nāṭaka-nirūpaṇa, genre list continues)
FAQs
It imparts sāhitya-śāstra (dramaturgical knowledge) by listing recognized rūpaka/ūparūpaka dramatic genres used in Sanskrit theatrical composition.
By cataloging technical categories of Sanskrit drama, the Agni Purana functions as a compendium extending beyond theology into arts, aesthetics, and formal literary theory.
While not a ritual injunction, it supports dharmic cultural transmission: preserving refined arts (nāṭya and kāvya) traditionally regarded as elevating, instructive, and conducive to sattvic cultivation.