The garland, Vīthī,[1] has a certain similarity to the Bhāṇa in that it includes frequent speeches in the air, and is in one act. But it is played by one or two actors, or, according to Viçvanātha on one view found in the Nāṭyaçāstra, by three, one of each station in rank. The leading sentiment is the erotic, but others are hinted at. The graceful manner is forbidden by the Nāṭyaçāstra, but enjoined by the other authorities, and the elements of the garland are available. Only the first and last junctures are employed, but all the elements of the plot are present. The theorists are sadly at a loss to explain the name garland; it is suggested that the several sentiments are gathered into it as into a garland, or the meaning 'way' or 'road' is accepted in lieu. The only example given by Viçvanātha is the Mālavikā, which is not the Mālavikāgnimitra; the first act of the Mālatīmadhava is styled Bakulavīthī, but is in no sense even taken by itself an example of this type.
The later theory as seen in Viçvanātha[2] adds descriptions of eighteen minor forms of drama, Uparūpakas, which represent refinements on the original scheme. Needless to say, though omitted in the Nāṭyaçāstra, quotations are found ascribing to Bharata the doctrine, though he mentions in them but fifteen with several variations of name;[3] the Agni Puraṇa[4] mentions eighteen with some variants of name, while a verse cited by Dhanika[5] names seven forms of mimetic dramas, which it classes in conjunction with the Bhāṇa. The age of these divisions is, therefore, uncertain; the Daçarūpa condescends to mention only the Nāṭikā, but obviously knows of the existence of others, confining its scope to the main forms, as its title indicates.
The Nāṭyaçāstra[6] mentions, in a passage suspected of interpolation, but without special cause, a type of dramas Nāṭī, which later is styled Nāṭikā, or lesser heroic comedy. The subject-matter in this view may be either legendary or invented; the later opinion requires it to be invented as in the Prakaraṇa, which is the model for the Nātikā in this regard. The hero is to be
- ↑ N. xviii. 102 f.; xix. 45 f.; DR. iii. 62 f.; SD. 520. Konow (ID. p. 32) is in error as to N. R. iii. 265-70 has Mādhavī-Vīthikā.
- ↑ SD. 276.
- ↑ Hall, DR., p. 6.
- ↑ cccxxxvii. 2-4. R. iii. 218-23 denies the separate character of the Nāṭikā or Prakaraṇikā.
- ↑ DR. i. 8.
- ↑ xviii. 54-6; DR. iii. 39-43; SD. 539.
