Guru
Pioneering the Revival of Mārga Nāṭya
Piyal Bhattacharya
Founder & Artistic Director
Piyal Bhattacharya
An Indian theatre director and Natyashastra scholar from Kolkata, West Bengal, Piyal Bhattacharya is the visionary force behind Chidakash Kalalay and the founder of Spanda Art Space near Garia, Kolkata.
Born in Howrah, West Bengal, Piyal's artistic journey began with intensive training in Kathakali under Kalamandalam Balasubramanian at Kerala Kalamandalam. His quest for understanding the classical foundations of Indian theatre led him to study Natyashastra and musicology under luminaries including Kamlesh Dutt Tripathi, Bharat Gupt, Puru Dadheech, N. Ramanathan, and Urmila Sharma.
Proficient in Sanskrit, English, Bengali, Hindi, and Malayalam, Piyal's multilingual expertise enables him to engage deeply with ancient texts while creating works that resonate with contemporary audiences. His linguistic versatility is fundamental to his research methodology and theatrical practice.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2023
Recognized with India's highest honor in performing arts for his contribution to Other Major Traditions of Theatre (Sanskrit Theatre), acknowledging his pioneering work in the reconstruction and revival of Mārga Nāṭya.
Training & Lineage
Piyal's artistic foundation is built upon rigorous training across multiple disciplines, creating a unique synthesis of traditional knowledge systems:
Dance & Movement
- Kathakali under Kalamandalam Balasubramanian at Kerala Kalamandalam
- Kalaripayattu (martial arts) under P.K. Balan Gurukkal
- Pung-Achoba percussion traditions under Premjit Singh
Music & Instruments
- Rudraveena of Dagar Gharana under Suvir Mishra, Asit Banerjee, and Bahauddin Dagar
- Rudraveena of Dabir Khan Gharana from Ujwalendu Chakraborty
- Haveli Sangeet under Gokulotsav Maharaj
- Sarasvathi-veena under Vijaya Varalakshmi
Theory & Scholarship
- Natyashastra studies under Kamlesh Dutt Tripathi, Bharat Gupt, and Puru Dadheech
- Musicology under N. Ramanathan and Urmila Sharma
Research & Reconstruction
Piyal Bhattacharya is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work on the reconstruction of a holistic system of Natya from the Natyashastra—the ancient treatise on performing arts. His research encompasses:
Performance Elements
- Karana (Dance): Systematic reconstruction of the 108 karanas described in the Natyashastra
- Vachikabhinaya: Revival of vocal techniques and linguistic expressions
- Aharya: Reconstruction of costumes, ornaments, and makeup traditions
- Angahara: Revival of body movements, gestures, and facial expressions
Musical Instruments (Atodyas)
- Reconstruction of Tri-Pushkaras (ancient percussion systems)
- Revival of Vipanchi, Chitra, and Mattakokila Vinas (ancient string instruments)
- Research into the Gandharva system of singing
His methodology bridges ancient wisdom with modern scholarship, engaging with contemporary societal issues while forging connections between ancient and modern theatrical forms. Central to his exploration is an investigation into the linguistic nuances present in Indian theatrical traditions.
Major Productions
Piyal has directed numerous productions based on the principles of Mārga Nāṭya, performed at major national and international dance and theatre festivals across India:
ChitraPurvaranga
An exploration of the ritualistic opening ceremony of Sanskrit theatre
Uparupaka Bhanaka
A presentation of minor dramatic forms from the Natyashastra
Bhanika
Reconstruction of the ancient monologue form
Padmanka-Gatha
Adapted from Shudraka's Padmapabhritakam Bhana
Viraha-Gatha
Theatrical interpretation of Kalidasa's Meghadutam
Samvatsar-Kathaa
Based on Kalidasa's Ritusamharam
Bhasa-Bharatam
Repertory production for National School of Drama, Sikkim, adapted from five Sanskrit plays by Bhasa
Academic Engagement
Beyond his work with Chidakash Kalalay, Piyal serves as visiting faculty at the National School of Drama, Sikkim, where he shares his expertise in Sanskrit theatre and Mārga Nāṭya with the next generation of theatre practitioners.
His research and performances have been featured in major publications including The Hindu, The Telegraph, The Statesman, and DNA India, establishing him as a leading voice in the revival of India's classical theatrical traditions.
Vision
Through Chidakash Kalalay and Spanda Art Space, Piyal Bhattacharya continues his mission to preserve, reconstruct, and evolve the Mārga Nāṭya tradition. His work represents not merely an archaeological recovery of ancient forms, but a living, breathing reinterpretation that speaks to contemporary concerns while honoring the profound wisdom of India's theatrical heritage.