section_path: Sociological factors/India
section_name: India
paragraph_text: India
  
  In ancient Sanskrit drama, Bharata Muni 's Natya Shastra defined humour (hāsyam) as one of the nine nava rasas, or principle rasas (emotional responses), which can be inspired in the audience by bhavas, the imitations of emotions that the actors perform. Each rasa was associated with a specific bhavas portrayed on stage.