The word Natya (Sanskrit) has been often translated as drama, but in Sanskrit dictionary the meaning is much more broader. Natya is translated as  dance; dramatic representation, scenic art; actor's attire. In this article we intend to discuss some aspects of the definitions of art in the Natya shastra, specially the classical dance, and relate these aspects to the function attributed to art in this treatise. In traditional Hindu culture, art has the function of educating and awakening good feelings, in addition to leading the viewer to identify with some aspects of the representation. Especially classical dance, with its gestures (mudrás) and symbols, produces elevation of the soul.

Sonia Campaner has completed her PHD from UNICAMP (State University of Campinas, São Paulo. She is a professor at the Departament of Philosophy and Language Sciences at Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. She has publications on art, Political Philosophy and serves as editorial boar of some journals and as  academic funding agency reviewer.