Entertainment
Entertainment :- a historical legacy …..
Human civilization has evolved enormous dimensions for their survival as well as for their betterment. There are various scopes for sensuous as well as intellectual satisfaction for mankind. Entertainment with history is often considered mutually exclusive terminology. Surprisingly historical journeys unleashed various scopes for entertainment as well as enjoyment.
Let’s dive in about conceptual discourses of history and entertainment….!
History is understood with various connotations and interpretations. For me, history is the genesis of the comprehensive growth and evolution of human existence. It is a vital connection from past to present with significant canvass for creativity, disruptions and legacies. It has mirrored the socio-political and cultural ethos.
Entertainment is the physical, mental and emotional satisfaction of well-being and the ultimate value attached to human existence. Entertainment is very much the offspring of mother history.
The historical journey led to the exploration of various amenities for luxury and entertainment. These are also expressed in various political, social and cultural phases.
My discourse lies Indian historical landscape with comparative possibilities to world civilizations.
The pre-historic period witnessed the first of its kind cultural expression through liberal art. Bhimbetka was relevant for evidence to justify the scope of entertainment with history. There are artistic expressions of dancing, hunting on rock painting. Similarly, concerning Indus Valley civilizations, we find a female bronze dancing girl which is very entertaining. These are initial proof of social gatherings for entertainment.
With social progress community gatherings, festivals and social gatherings deepened our scope for enjoyment. Concerning Vedic culture, there are various occasions for the emergence of sanskaras (rituals) which were designed for social commutations and obligations. At this point, entertainment was perceived with rituals and ceremonies. There are references to 16 sanskaras (rituals) for showcasing various avenues of entertainment and community enjoyment. Among those rituals, vivah was such a type of sanskara celebrated with much pomp and show. Today also human beings are largely fascinated with marriages for entertainment and luxuries. It was the time that the early emergence of music could be glimpsed through ritual practices by the priest class. Chanting of hymns were the earliest notes of music that developed with time.
With the development of economic pursuits and intellectual curiosity, the 6th century BC heralded new elements of entertainment in India. It was further expressed in various literary genres drama, poetry and plays.
There are various sources of entertainment developed in ancient Indian historical experiences Modern-day chess was earlier supposed to be chaturanga. There are many festivals in India which have been referred to in historical literature. Much celebrated festival of India, Holi, Diwali have become immortal with the historical journey of civilization.
I intend to assert that civilizations across the globe are largely indebted to history for their survival as well as their quest for wisdom. Entertainment is one such legacy which is engrained in it.
