Hindu/Sanatan Dharma has significantly contributed to art, drama, music, and dance, shaping the cultural landscape of the world. Here are some of the key discoveries and contributions:

1. Natyashastra – The Oldest Treatise on Drama & Performing Arts (200 BCE – 200 CE)
   Written by Bharata Muni, the Natyashastra is the world’s first and most comprehensive text on drama, dance, and music.
   It classifies drama into different genres, describes rasas (emotions), and explains acting techniques, stage design, and aesthetics.
   Inspired world theatre traditions, including Chinese, Greek, and modern performing arts.
2. Rasa Theory – Foundation of Emotions in Art
   The Rasa Theory by Bharata Muni defines 9 primary emotions (Navarasas):
   Shringara (Love)
   Hasya (Humor)
   Karuna (Compassion)
   Raudra (Anger)
   Veera (Courage)
   Bhayanaka (Fear)
   Bibhatsa (Disgust)
   Adbhuta (Wonder)
   Shanta (Peace)
   Influenced literature, music, dance, and cinema worldwide.
3. Classical Dance Forms
   Hindu sages developed classical dance styles, each linked to spirituality and storytelling:

Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu) – Oldest dance form, linked to temple worship.
Kathak (North India) – Storytelling dance with Persian influences.
Odissi (Odisha) – Sculptural postures in dance.
Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) – Dance-drama style.
Mohiniyattam (Kerala) – Graceful feminine dance.
Manipuri (Manipur) – Spiritual dance inspired by Lord Krishna.
Kathakali (Kerala) – Dramatic expressions and elaborate costumes.

4. Music & Raga System – Influence on Global Music
   Samaveda (1500 BCE) – Foundation of Indian classical music.
   Sangeet Ratnakara (13th century) – Systematized melodic scales (Ragas) and rhythms (Talas).
   Veena & Sitar Development – Ancient string instruments influencing global music.
   Inspired Persian, Arab, and Western classical music traditions.
5. Temple Architecture & Sculptural Art
   Ajanta & Ellora Caves (2nd century BCE – 5th century CE) – Rock-cut Buddhist and Hindu murals.
   Khajuraho Temples (950–1050 CE) – Detailed sculptures on human emotions and life.
   Brihadeeswara Temple, Tamil Nadu (1010 CE) – Architectural marvel.
   Konark Sun Temple (13th century) – Sun Chariot design influencing world architecture.
6. Sanskrit Theatre & Storytelling Traditions
   Sanskrit Dramas (Kalidasa, Bhasa, Shudraka, Bhavabhuti) – Before Shakespeare, India had playwrights:
   Kalidasa’s “Shakuntala” – Influenced European literature.
   Shudraka’s “Mrichhakatika” (The Little Clay Cart) – Social drama.
   Bhavabhuti’s “Uttararamacharita” – Explored deep emotions.
   Yakshagana (Karnataka), Koodiyattam (Kerala) – Traditional theatrical art forms.
7. Storytelling Traditions That Influenced the World
   Panchatantra (3rd century BCE) – India’s fables influenced Aesop’s Fables, Arabian Nights, and world folklore.
   Jataka Tales – Buddhist stories influencing Asian literature.
   Ramayana & Mahabharata – Inspired Southeast Asian theatre (Wayang Kulit, Thai Ramakien, Cambodian Reamker).
8. Bollywood & Global Cinema Influence
   India’s silent films (Raja Harishchandra, 1913) started cinematic storytelling.
   Satyajit Ray’s films (Apu Trilogy) influenced global cinema, including directors like Akira Kurosawa and Martin Scorsese.
   Indian song-and-dance format in movies has influenced world cinema (Hollywood musicals, Nollywood, etc.).
   Conclusion
   Hindu and Sanatan artists, scholars, and playwrights pioneered theatre, dance, music, storytelling, and architecture, influencing global traditions. The Natyashastra, Rasa Theory, Indian classical music and dance, and Sanskrit theatre continue to shape world arts, cinema, and performing arts today.