--> Skip to main content


Veshabhusha In Hindu Drama

Veshabhusha is a modern expression for the old world aharya, meaning dress, costumes and make up in dramaturgy. The physical presentation in a stage performance is made according to the character and thematic context by the Vesha Bhusha. The aharya aspect in many stage performances is derived as per the gunas (quality or nature) – sattvika, rajasa and tamas (divine, heroic and dull). According to Natyashastra, aharya is of four kinds: pushta (stage props), alankara (decoration or ornamentation with flower or metallic ornaments), angaracana (facial and body make-up with sandal paste and similar cosmetics) and sajiva (lively objects). Stage decorations with suitable structures, figures, furniture, or instruments are of the pushta type. Alankara includes character-wise costume and dress. Angaracana is applying pastes, cosmetics, colors, etc., on parts of the body for beautification, according to the character acted, king or queen, God or Goddess, warrior, servant, Brahmin, messenger, sage, disciple, etc.