HISTROY OF GUJRATI DRAMA (NATAK)

Abstract

The region of Gujarat has a long tradition of folk-theatre, Bhavai, which originated in the 14th-century.
Thereafter, in early 16th century, a new element was introduced by Portuguese missionaries, who
performed Yesu Mashiha Ka Tamasha, based on the life of Jesus Christ, using the Tamasha folk tradition of
Maharashtra, which they imbibed during their work in Goa or Maharashtra.[1] Sanskrit drama was performed
in temple and royal courts and temples of Gujarat, it didn't influence the local theatre tradition for the
masses. The era of British Raj saw British officials inviting foreign operas and theatre groups to entertain
them, this in turn inspired local Parsis to start their own travelling theatre groups, largely performed in
Gujarati.[2] The first play published in Gujarati was Laxmi by Dalpatram in 1850, it was inspired by ancient
Greek comedy Plutus by Aristophanes.
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