William Shakespeare, in As You Like It, wrote that, "All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players." Shakespeare was rarely more precise. When one considers the rich historical traditions of theatre, one is predominantly drawn to the influence of Western civilization on theatrical traditions. However, theatrical traditions around the world have had equal influence on modern theatrical theory and practice, including the rich tradition present in India. India and its theatre traditions have had an enormous effect on the study and practice of theatre.
The diverse cultures of India holds the distinction of being the center of theatre and drama among other South Asian areas, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, etc. Because it allowed such a huge spectrum of society, family, caste position and tradition, south Asian theatre finds its center on the Indian stage. In fact, even the oldest book of dramaturgy comes from the Indian tradition. Not surprisingly, then, does a host of drama texts and traditions also come from the Indian tradition, showing it to be important indeed in all development in the study of drama. .
Similar to other theatrical traditions, Indian theatre was and is connected to the predominant religion, Hindu in India. The goal of Indian theatre was clear to make an accessible amusement or entertainment that would be for all people, over the hierarchy of the Hindu caste. Play scripts emanated from epic literature, historical (or semi-historical) legends, rural life and urban dramas. All these plays integrated recitation, song, music and dance, acting and aesthetics in the pursuit of a complete and total theatrical experience. Though it is difficult to trace the exact historical roots of Indian theatre, Indian literature posits that dramatic writing was completely developed by the first and second centuries A.D. .
The objectives of Indian theatre have remained unchanged through the years: to instruct and to entertain.
