nataka

Nataka is a term used across several Indian languages to denote a dramatic work or theatre performance. It derives from the Sanskrit nāṭaka, meaning a play or dramatic piece, and is related to nāṭya, the broader concept of theatre that combines story, speech, gesture, music, and dance. In classical Indian dramaturgy, nāṭaka is one of the principal forms of drama and is generally understood as a narrative drama performed on stage.

In everyday usage, nataka (also transliterated natak, nāṭak, or nāṭaka) is the standard word for a play in many languages such as Marathi, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil. The exact conventions of nataka—including structure, performance style, and musical elements—vary by region and tradition, reflecting the broader diversity of Indian theatre. Some traditions describe natakas as full-length plays with developed plots and characters, while others include one-act pieces within the same category.

In modern contexts, nataka remains a living genre in regional theatre and is used to refer to both classic repertoires and contemporary productions. Schools and cultural organizations frequently stage natakas as part of theatre education and community performance, and the term also appears in titles of plays and theatre companies.

See also: Natyashastra, Indian theatre, Natya.