ARCHIVES
VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2025)
The universal experience of rasas: A comparative study of Indian and Western Poetic Theories
Authors
Anjika Singh
Abstract
This paper investigates the philosophical and affective intersections
between classical Indian and Western aesthetic traditions, with a specific
focus on rasa, catharsis, and the sublime. Moving beyond a purely textual or
civilizational comparison, the study examines how each system conceptualizes
the emotional and sensory engagement of the audience. By placing Bharata’s rasa
theory in dialogue with Aristotle’s catharsis and Longinus’ sublime, the paper
uncovers shared concerns—such as the transformative power of art, the
cultivation of emotional intensity, and the elevation of the self through
aesthetic experience—while also attending to their cultural and ontological
differences. Through this comparative lens, the research highlights both the
distinctiveness and universality of rasa as a mode of aesthetic perception,
ultimately arguing for a more inclusive and cross-cultural approach to global
aesthetic theory.
Download
Pages:5-6
How to cite this article:
Anjika Singh "The universal experience of rasas: A comparative study of Indian and Western Poetic Theories". International Journal of English Research, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 5-6
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.