In an important milestone for the rich cultural and philosophical heritage of India, UNESCO included UNESCO in the memory of the world register of Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni Natyasastrum. The announcement was widely celebrated, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it for every Indian around the world as a “proud moment”.
“The proud moment for every Indian around the world! Incorporating Git and Natyashastra into the UNESCO World Register is the global recognition of our timeless wisdom and rich culture. Bhagwad Gita and Natyashastra have brought up civilization and consciousness for centuries.
PM Modi Retweet took place the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Union Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who first shared news of the inscription. Shekhawat described the development as a “historical moment for Bharat civilization heritage”.
Also read | UNESCO adds Assam’s Ahom Dynasty Moidams to the World Heritage List
“Natyashastra Shrimad Bhagavad Gita & Bharat Muni is now written in UNESCO’s memory on the world register. This global honor celebrates eternal Indian wisdom and artistic genius,” Shekhawat said. “These timeless works are more than literary treasures – they are the philosophical and aesthetic foundations that shaped Bharat’s worldview and the way we think, feel, live and express.”
Bhagavad Gita, a timeless spiritual text and Natyashastra, a basic work on art, have been an integral part of the formation of Indian cultural and intellectual legacy for centuries.
5 facts about Natyashastře
1. What is nāṭyaśāstra?
It is the oldest and most important Indian book on performing art such as drama, dance and music. It was written in Sanskrit and it is a mixture of poems and prose.
2. When was it written?
Experts believe that it was formed between the 2nd century BC and the 2nd century, but the real writing could have happened anywhere since the 5th century BC to the 8th century.
3. What does it contain?
The surviving version has 36-37 chapters with approximately 6,000 verses (although tradition says it originally had 12,000). According to Oxford, bibliography covers these chapters all about theater – negotiations, gestures, settings, music, music, costumes and even spiritual importance of drama.
4. Who wrote it?
The legendary character named Bharata is said to be the author. He explains all the ideas in the book, including how the drama happened and how to do it properly, Oxford informed bibliography.
5. Why is this important?
Nāṭyaśāstra is more than just a book about drama – it represents life itself as a kind of performance or “divine game”. This idea deeply influenced Indian culture and philosophy. Many later works and writers relied on it and one key comment, called Abhinavabhāratī by Abhinavagupt, survived.
(Tagstotranslate) Bhagavad Gita
