A comparative analysis of Bharatamuni’s Natyashastra on Sri Lankan– Sabaragamuwa Pahan Madu ritual

The rituals used in Sinhalese culture, namely, bali, thovil, and madu can be characterized by three Sri Lankan regional dance traditions, Upcountry, Low country, and Sabaragamuwa. The aim of this research is to explore and comparatively analyze the influence of the Indian classic Natyashastra of Bharatmuni on the Pahan Madu ritual practiced in the cities of Kalawana, Ratnapura, Balangoda, and Badulla of Sri Lanka. Ethnographic research using pictures, audio-video recordings, interviews, observations, and field notes for collecting data has been used. Elements of a comparative case study were used for data analysis. This study identified that the Sri Lankan Sabaragamu Pahan Madu curative ritual has several similar characteristics to Nruththa, Nruthya, and Naatya of Natyashastra written by the Indian theatrologist and musicologist Bharatamuni during the first century. The preparations of Pahan Madu performance arena apply similar prerequisites to the theatre mentioned by Bharatamuni in the Natyashastra. The four main parts of abhinaya presented in Natyashastra are also depicted by the actors performing in the Pahan Madu ritual. Even though the Pahan Madu ritual demonstrates the influences of Bharatamuni’s Natyashastra, some of its characteristics have been replaced because of the influence of the Buddhist culture.