Keywords : Love, rasa, śringāra rasa

Abstract : Exploring the play Candida by the well-known Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw through the lens of Rasa theory, this research focuses on the rasa evoked in the play through various dramatic techniques and presentation, specifically śṛṅgāra rasa or the erotic sentiments. Śṛṅgāra rasa is one of the eight rasas discussed by Bharat Muni in his magnum opus Nāṭyaśāstra. This theory talks about the emotional experiences or different emotional states evoked, which is called Rasa. Shaw’s Candida is a play majorly studied with the Western perspectives of audiences or readers, especially as a problem play. This research is positioned from a reader’s perspective rather than that of a spectator. Drawing from classical Indian aesthetics and literary analysis, this research offers an understanding of how śṛṅgāra rasa intertwines with the complexities of love within the play. By delving into the subtleties of character interactions, dialogues, and the narrative arc, the analysis highlights how Shaw skillfully crafts an intricate portrayal of romantic and emotional entanglements. This endeavor enriches the conventional interpretations of the play by providing a nuanced comprehension of its emotional depth through the application of Rasa theory, thereby contributing to a more holistic appreciation of Shaw`s work.

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