The word ‘rasa’ has three primary associations of meaning:
[1] Of being the object of perception by the sense of taste
[2] Of being the essence of any thing or being
[3] Of being something dynamic and not static
The concept of rasa originated and developed in the context of dramaturgy, since drama is a dynamic art form combining the audio and visual impact.
The Rasa Theory was expounded by Bharata muni in his treatise ‘Natya-Shastra’ [2nd BC- 4th AD] wherein he stated: