This lesson gives you a simple introduction to drama, the meaning of the word, the origin of drama in general and the role of religion in the origin of drama. It also tells you all about the origin of drama in India, especially in the South Indian languages, and the grammar of drama. You can learn about puppetry, leather puppetry, and shadow puppetry, which are considered as precursors of drama.

Happiness and creativity among people have manifested themselves in various forms of art. For example, love of sport led to dance, and a talent for mimicry led to drama. The word 'Natakam' (Drama) can be split into 'Nadu' and 'Agam'. Nadu refers to people, and Agam to their feelings. Hence, drama can be said to be an art form which expresses and gladdens the hearts of the people.

In ancient times, puppetry -- with puppets made of wood -- was an important form of entertainment. In course of time, this led to the production of leather puppetry and then shadow puppetry. Much later, men took the place of puppets, and the drama came into existence. Even today, the English word 'Play' (for drama) indicates that drama originated as 'Play' or 'game' meant merely to amuse.

Although there are conflicting views as to the origin of drama, it is generally agreed that drama was initially used for propagating religion. In most of the countries like Germany, Japan, Greece, Italy, France and so on, we find that religion was the basis of drama. In Greece, there were dramatists like Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, but they were all tragedians.

In India too, dramatic art was based on religion and divine worship. Unlike the Greeks, the Indians produced drama out of joy, and with the intention of entertaining people. Some scholars are of the view that drama rose out of dance. Tamil drama originated in the latter part of the 19th century. The first plays which became popular were social plays. In 1891, amateur drama troupes appeared, which gave a new boost to drama. However, plays in those days consisted mainly of music and dance, for which the players gestured as they liked.

Thus, this lesson teaches you all about the origin of drama in general, and South India in particular.